Tips for Caring with a Senior Suffering from Orthostatic Hypotension

Caregiver in Freehold Township NJ

Orthostatic hypotension can be a frustrating condition when mild and a dangerous one when more serious. This condition, which is sometimes referred to as postural hypotension, occurs when your elderly loved one’s blood pressure drops when they change positions, particularly when sitting up from a lying position or standing up from a sitting position. When this happens, the blood pools in your parent’s legs and cannot move through the rest of the body efficiently. Symptoms of this condition can include dizziness, light-headedness, and even fainting. Though it can be very mild and caused by simple issues such as dehydration, it can also be linked to a more serious issue such as an endocrine problem or cardiovascular concerns. As their family caregiver, it is extremely important that you know how to help your senior handle these symptoms effectively so that they can reduce the chances of accident and injury.

 

Use these tips to help you care for your elderly loved one as they deal with orthostatic hypotension:

• Ask their doctor about boosting salt. Increasing the amount of salt that your aging parent eats can help to reduce the risk of dehydration, which can then reduce or even eliminate hypotension symptoms. It is vital that this is done under supervision to prevent the potential health risks of excess sodium.
• Get more exercise. Getting regular exercise can help your parent’s body move blood more efficiently. This helps to minimize the chances that their blood pressure will drop when they change position.
• Avoid bending over. Another movement that is linked to orthostatic hypotension is bending at the waist. This movement causes blood to pool to the legs and the head. If your senior needs to pick something up, they should bend their knees or use a gripper.
• Use compression stockings. Ask your elderly loved one’s doctor about having your parent wear compression stockings. These promote better blood flow throughout the body. Depending on the particular issue that your aging parent is dealing with, the doctor might suggest an abdominal binder for further effect.
• Move slowly. Encourage your aging loved one to move slowly when they are changing position. This means taking their time to sit up when they are lying down and when they are standing up from sitting down. They should not attempt to change positions again quickly after the first change. For example, your parent should rest for a moment after sitting up before they get out of the bed, or should stand still for a few seconds before they start walking.

 

If your elderly parent is suffering from orthostatic hypotension or other conditions that might cause dizziness when they stand, starting home care for them can be a highly effective way to help them stay safer. This care provider can be with your parent to provide physical support and assistance that helps prevent falls and other accidents. They can also encourage your loved one to remain compliant with the medications, treatments, and lifestyle guidelines given to them by their doctor by offering reminders to keep them on track.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Matawan, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Lares Home Care 888-492-3538 or 732-566-1112.

 

Sources:

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/symptoms-of-heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/dizziness-or-light-headedness-when-standing-up

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orthostatic-hypotension/basics/definition/con-20031255