March is National Kidney Month and it’s the perfect time for seniors and their families to learn more about kidney health and kidney disease. According to a study done by Johns Hopkins more than 50% of seniors over the age of 75 have some degree of kidney disease. Age is one of the major risk factors for kidney disease, which means seniors should do their best to keep their kidneys healthy.
Eating a healthy low-sodium diet is one of the best ways for seniors to protect their kidney health. In-home care can help seniors take care of their kidney by making sure that seniors who are aging in place are eating healthy meals that include lots of fruits and vegetables. Seniors who are aging in place can rely on help from in-home care to cook and prep healthy meals.
Diagnosing kidney disease early can help seniors get their kidney disease under control before it becomes advanced. Some of the symptoms of kidney disease in seniors that seniors and their families should watch out for are:
Changes in Urination
Seniors with kidney disease may notice changes that they are going to the bathroom more. They also may notice changes in urgency, difficulty starting urination, or a decrease in the amount of urine produced. The appearance of their urine may also change and appear foamy due to the presence of excess protein.
Blood in Urine
Blood in urine can be scary, and if your senior parent starts seeing trace of blood in their urine they should see their doctor. Blood in the urine is a significant indicator of kidney problems. The presence of blood can give the urine a pink, red, or brownish tint.
Edema or Swelling
Kidney disease can lead to the retention of fluids, resulting in swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes. This swelling, known as edema, occurs as the kidneys struggle to eliminate excess sodium and water from the body. There are many things that can cause seniors to experience swelling in the feet and legs, but if your senior parent is experiencing swelling and other symptoms of kidney disease they need to be evaluated by a doctor.
Fatigue and Weakness
Declining kidney function can lead to anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to tissues and organs. Seniors with kidney disease may experience fatigue, weakness, and a general sense of lethargy due to anemia.
High Blood Pressure
Kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. As kidney function declines, blood pressure may rise. Persistent high blood pressure is both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease in seniors, creating a cycle that exacerbates the condition. If your senior parent has high blood pressure they should be screened for kidney disease regularly.
Itching and Skin Rash
Kidney failure can lead to the buildup of waste products in the blood, causing itching and a dry skin rash. The skin may also appear darker due to pigmentation changes associated with kidney dysfunction. If your senior parent has a skin rash or irritation that won’t go away they should have kidney function tests performed.
Muscle Cramps and Weakness
Imbalances in electrolytes, such as potassium and calcium, can occur in kidney disease, leading to muscle cramps and weakness. Seniors may notice these symptoms, particularly in the legs. Talk to your senior parent’s doctor about ways to manage electrolyte imbalances to get rid of muscle cramps or muscle weakness.
Source: Source 1
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Point Loma, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aaron Home Care. (619) 880-5522
A Trusted Home Care Agency Serving La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, San Diego, UTC, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Coronado, Bonita, Eastlake and the surrounding areas.
In 1999, Aaron was named Residential Program Manager of a group home for disabled adults in Arlington, Virgina. Here, he built a reputation for being compassionate with his clients and efficient in company operations. In the years that followed, Washington DC’s human services field went through unprecedented reform when the city was fined $11 million for the previously unchecked abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the very population it was supposed to protect. In 2005, Aaron was selected by a watchdog company to co-create and implement a monitoring system to safeguard and advocate for the system’s most vulnerable residents. This system is still in use today.
Aaron is now using his unique gifts and profound experience in the human service field to provide San Diego County Seniors with dependable, compassionate caregivers through Aaron Home Care.
He currently serves on the board of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council and is an active member of the Senior Advocate Network of San Diego.
Aaron Home Care is a member of the American Board of Home Care and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
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