One of the things that matters most to you is the health of your senior loved one. Anemia can cause loss of physical abilities, functional deterioration, and hospitalization, so it’s crucial to be alert for its warning signs. There are symptoms you may look out for and ways to help your loved one treat anemia. Here’s an overview of anemia in seniors, and how relocating affected individuals to assisted living apartments in Laplace, LA, can help them manage their condition.
What Are Some Common Warning Signs of Anemia?
When the red blood cell count drops below normal, anemia can develop. Anemia is frequently brought on by blood loss, a decline in the production of red blood cells, or the destruction of red blood cells. Anemia can have a negative effect on one’s health because hemoglobin in red blood cells plays an important role in transporting oxygen to human tissues.
Anemia can have a negative effect on one’s health because hemoglobin in red blood cells plays an important role in transporting oxygen to human tissues. Some common symptoms of anemia include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Pale skin
- Breathing difficulty
Any of the aforementioned symptoms should be taken seriously, even if they only “seem like what happens as you age.” If a member of your family displays these signs, call their doctor right away because anemia is treatable.
If your senior loved one is receiving care in an assisted living community, the team will also help monitor them for any of these symptoms, especially if they appear suddenly or are brought on by a new medicine.
Specialised Care for Anemic Patients in Assisted Living Communities
The knowledgeable, compassionate team at our retirement community encourages the elderly residents who suffer from anemia to:
- follow the directions for their treatments and medications.
- Even when they feel exhausted, eat multiple small meals. (Eating frequently and in modest amounts gives one greater energy.)
- Take more frequent and longer naps
- Avoid attempting to accomplish too much in one day. Save some for tomorrow and/or seek assistance.
- When they start to feel lightheaded, to lay flat and slowly get up when it’s time.
- Consult with their dietician, nurse, or doctor before taking any vitamin supplements.
A Balanced Diet for Anemic Patients in Assisted Living Communities
At assisted living communities, residents can take advantage of a home-style dining experience and chef-prepared meals to meet their nutritional needs. Our community’s Sensations Dining program enables residents with anemia to have a carefree dining experience where they do not have to engage with the laborious tasks of cooking or washing up. Moreover, they will be able to achieve a balanced diet to treat their anemia.
For instance, if a senior has problems absorbing iron or their diet is deficient in iron, iron-deficiency anemia may result. It’s critical that your senior loved one follow any supplement directions if they have an iron deficiency. The culinary staff at the assisted living community can assist your senior in increasing the amount of foods high in iron in their diet, such as:
- Red meat (leaner cuts for reduced fat)
- Eggs
- Beans
- Nuts
- Seafood
- Whole grains
If your loved one is suffering from anemia or another debilitating condition, seek medical attention and consider relocating them to an assisted living community, as it may greatly improve their quality of life.
