Helping Seniors Manage Their Blood Pressure

Companion care at home supports blood pressure monitoring and senior health

One of the most important indicators of a senior’s health is their blood pressure, but it’s also one of the easiest to miss. High or low blood pressure often shows itself with vague, easy-to-ignore symptoms, unlike a fever or a fall. That’s why companion care at home is such a useful service for seniors aging in place.

As much as they might try, family members and seniors themselves often can’t create the same level of safety in the home that a trained caregiver can.

What Caregivers Are Watching For

Companion care at home providers are not nurses, but they know what to watch out for when it comes to seniors’ health and well-being, and the importance of timely reporting. In terms of blood pressure, this means being able to spot the early warning signs before something becomes a medical emergency.

For instance, a companion care at home caregiver might notice the following signs of high blood pressure (hypertension):

• Headaches that don’t go away, especially in the back of the head
• Skin on the face that looks red or flushed
• Unusual confusion or trouble focusing
• Vision that is blurry or changes suddenly
• Complaints of tightness or pressure in the chest

They are also trained to notice the following signs of low blood pressure (hypotension):

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when standing
• Feeling tired or weak all of a sudden
• Skin that is pale, cold, or clammy
• Episodes of fainting or nearly fainting
• A heartbeat that is fast or shallow

Because these caregivers spend a lot of time with seniors, usually several hours a day, they get a good idea of what “normal” looks and feels like for that person. As a result, they are ready to catch something when it goes wrong.

Why Consistency Is So Important

Since many older people live on their own, it can take a while before someone visits the home and notices that something isn’t quite right. However, adding companion care at home to the support team changes that equation, as they are in the home on a consistent basis.

They also meticulously keep track of blood pressure readings and ensure that seniors themselves know the signs of high or low blood pressure noted above.

The Connection Between Daily Habits and Blood Pressure

Beyond these things, companion care at home providers can help seniors develop habits and create routines throughout the day that impact blood pressure. This includes reminding seniors to drink enough water during the day, making meals that are good for their hearts and lower in sodium, reminding them to take their medications on time, and gently encouraging them to do light exercise.

These small, regular actions add up over time to help seniors make the most of their health.

When to Call for Help

Professional caregivers also know when to call for medical assistance. If a senior suddenly has a severe headache, chest pain, or trouble breathing, or passes out, a caregiver acts quickly by calling emergency services and getting in touch with the family right away.

For seniors with high blood pressure, low blood pressure, or the risks that come with aging, companion care at home provides stability. They become a trusted person who notices the small things and ensures that seniors have the support and care they need to continue aging in place successfully.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Holdingford, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today.

Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us today at (320) 352-3350

Sources:

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/blood-pressure
• https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-and-older-adults
• https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure/what-know-about-high-blood-pressure-you-age
• https://www.hawthornesc.com/blog/understanding-low-blood-pressure-guide-seniors