Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is called a silent killer because many people suffer from this disease and are not even aware of it. It can have no symptoms, however, it can lead to heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. If as caregivers, we can manage and control high blood pressure in our seniors, we can protect their important organs from damage.
The American Heart Association and American Society of Hypertension recommend that people with high blood pressure should regularly monitor their readings at home in between doctor visits. This can help patients track their treatment and get better control over their health. It is also observed that at times, some people experience an abnormal increase in their readings due to the anxiety of seeing a doctor. At home, seniors are in a more comfortable environment and are relaxed. The American Heart Association also suggests using an automatic, cuff-style, upper-arm monitor. If your senior is not sure about how to use it, you could ask them to take the monitor to their doctor when they go for a check-up so the doctor can tell them the correct way of measuring their blood pressure.
Another important thing for you as a caregiver is to stay on top of your senior’s blood pressure vitals to be able to take control and better manage it. Monitoring their blood pressure daily or every alternate day is a good start but you shouldn’t be just looking at the numbers. You should keep a journal for them and note their readings. Technology has made it so easy these days that you will find a plethora of apps to help you keep a record of the readings so you can view them later, or share them with their doctor and the ones who care for your senior.
If seniors have been prescribed medication for hypertension, as their caregivers you should make them understand why it is important to take it regularly. Establishing a habit for them to take their medication on time is half the battle. Set reminders for refilling their medication so before they run out they have the dose for the next month ready.
When seniors are put on a hypertension drug therapy, you should ensure they visit their doctor at least once a month. Their doctor may check the level of potassium in their blood and other electrolytes and creatinine levels.
Any blood pressure management plan is incomplete if your seniors do not make adjustments to their lifestyle. People with hypertension should be encouraged to switch to a healthier diet and should also incorporate exercise into their routine. Also, reducing the amount of sodium in their diet (maximum 1 teaspoon of salt per day), will help keep their blood pressure under control.
An important part of a caregiver’s role is to help their seniors develop heart-healthy habits while keeping in mind their needs and limitations. Also remember, your senior will be more likely to keep up with a new habit if it is easy to follow and enjoyable. You could teach them relaxation techniques because blood pressure rises during periods of stress.
It is not hard to manage your loved one’s hypertension if you and your senior are ready to put in the effort to work on it on a daily basis. If you follow these steps of micro-commitments, you and your senior can successfully take charge of your hypertension and bring it under control.
