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How a Visiting Nurse Could Help a Senior with High Blood Pressure

May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month and for any elderly individual, if they are relying on some type of home care services, those certain caregivers may be involved in the process of monitoring blood pressure and other vital statistics.

Home Health Care in Houston, TX

Home Health Care in Houston, TXMay is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month and for any elderly individual, if they are relying on some type of home care services, those certain caregivers may be involved in the process of monitoring blood pressure and other vital statistics.

It’s important to understand that there are limitations to this. A non-medical home care aide (which is what the vast majority of caregivers are) may not be licensed to perform any type of diagnostic, measurement, and certainly not administer medication. A visiting nurse, on the other hand, is usually a licensed individual who can certainly take blood pressure readings, relay them to the client’s doctor, and help monitor their situation more closely.

Blood pressure is an important measurement for positive health and well-being for people of all ages, but it becomes even more important for aging individuals who may be at higher risk of various health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and other factors.

There are many things that can contribute to increased blood pressure readings, including poor diet, smoking, drinking excessive quantities of alcoholic beverages, not getting proper exercise, and much more (Mayo Clinic). A senior could be taking a variety of prescription medications already and that could also be contributing to increased blood pressure.

Only a doctor can properly diagnose high blood pressure or even pre-hypertension, and if the senior has been diagnosed with one of these conditions the doctor may request ongoing monitoring, either daily, weekly, or at some other interval.

This could require the elderly individual to make an appointment and visit the doctor once a week, more frequently, or less frequently, depending on the situation. If they have access to a visiting nurse, though, it could be done within the comfort of their home. Some agencies throughout the United States employ visiting nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and a number of other healthcare professionals that can help aging individuals within the comfort of their home.

If any senior has been directed by their doctor to keep track of their blood pressure, it’s best to consider a professional in-home care service provider, such as a visiting nurse, to come to their home and get an accurate reading to relay to the doctor. Relying on public blood pressure machines and other electronic devices may be okay for basic monitoring, but their accuracy will not be the same as that of an experienced, licensed nurse or other licensed professional.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of home health care in Houston , TX contact At Your Side Home Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (832) 271-1600 for more information.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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