As a health care professional working with senior patients who receive home care, you know that the older your patients get, the more likely they are going to need treatment for certain conditions. Seniors are some of the most vulnerable members of society, so it’s imperative that those of us who have the knowledge to help them do so.
If you haven’t yet talked to your senior patients about these five medical tests, now is a good time to start.
Hearing and Vision Tests
Some of the first issues that seniors face as they grow older are hearing and vision loss. Not only can diminished hearing and sight lead to feelings of isolation that can affect the mental health of home care patients, but also these issues can be dangerous for seniors who still live independently.
Older adults should get their eyes checked annually and their hearing tested at least every three years.
Bone Density Scan
One out of three seniors suffers a fall every year. Even after taking measures to reduce the risk of falls in the home, they can still happen, and if a fall victim suffers from untreated osteoporosis, the consequences can be severe.
As we age, our bone mass can change, so it is critical to keep an eye on it. Talk to your patients about whether they would like to schedule a bone density scan.
Blood Test
You’re a health care professional, so you know that you can tell a lot about a patient’s health by examining their blood. If you’re aging patient hasn’t had a blood test in the last five years, it could be time to schedule one.
Colorectal Exam
After the age of 50, people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Regular colorectal exams can catch the symptoms before they become serious. These exams should happen at least every ten years. If abnormalities are found, you’ll need to develop a plan for more frequent screenings. Patients past 60 years of age should schedule an exam as soon as possible.
Cholesterol Screening
As part of a blood test, we could have gone without mentioning cholesterol screenings in this blog post. But we chose to give them their own section because they are so important for staying healthy. As you no doubt understand, high levels of certain types of cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke, which are two of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Depending on the health and cholesterol levels of your patients, cholesterol should be tested about every four to six years.
Our Home Care Specialists Can Help You Keep Your Patients Healthy
Want to learn more about how Granny NANNIES of Miami can help you care for your patients? Get in touch with us today so that we can schedule a meeting. Our empathetic caregivers will give your patients the help they need to live at home while staying healthy.