Common Health Problems in Seniors

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SE C T I O N T W O - C O M M O N H E A L T H PR O B L E MS IN SE NI O RS

Chronic Diseases As people age, they can experience various health problems including chronic diseases. A chronic disease has one or more of the following characteristics:

It is permanent and leaves a disability. It is not reversible. It requires special rehabilitative training. It may require a long period of supervision, observation or care.

KLamples of chronic diseases are arthritis, stroke, Parkinson:s disease and diaBetes. Generally, they are treated with medication, exercise and diet. These diseases can limit the mobility of older adults. Seniors can also fall victim to other health problems such as cancer and heart attack. It is helpful if Home Care Assistants are familiar with some of the health conditions that plague seniors to improve the quality of care they provide. This section will take a cursory look at the more common health problems and outline how they may affect the lives of those they strike. A rthritis Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints of the body due to cartilage wearing down. (Cartilage is the substance that pads the ends of the bones and reduces friction during movement.) The joints that are affected most often in women are the hands, knees, ankles and feet. In men, they are the hips, spine, and wrist. The severity of the condition can range from mild to severe. The following table outlines some of the traits, which are common to various types of arthritis:

Causes/Risk Factors Symptoms Consequences T reatment

age extra weight insufficient exercise hereditary factors injuries certain exercises,

occupations & sports

stiffness in joint difficulty moving joint pain in joint pain around joint swelling of joint fatigue

pain disability loss of joint

function loss of movement restricted

activities

medications joint replacements rest exercise diet heat & cold therapies water therapy surgery

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There are two main types of arthritis:

Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. In osteoarthritis, cartilage breaks down and the bones rub together. The joint then loses shape and alignment. As they thicken, bony growths (spurs) form on the bone ends and pieces of cartilage and bone float in the joint space. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint and may only involve a couple of joints. Joints most often affected are knees, hips, back, fingers and feet. Its severity can range from mild to severe.


age obesity joint injuries resulting

from sports or work-related accidents

cartilage breaks down & causes bones to rub against each other due to aging

irritation of the joints, wear & tear of the joints, overuse in professional

sports hereditary factors

inflammation redness swelling heat pain

pain disability loss of joint

function loss of

movement

no cure relieving pain relieving stiffness application of heat application of cold weight loss assistive device to carry

out activities of daily living

surgical joint replacement

Rheumatoid A rthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease wherein the immune system attacks the lining of the joint. This causes an inflammation, which can result in deformity. The disease can be severe and can involve not only the joints but also the whole body including the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.


actual cause is unknown inflicted person:s own

immune cells attack the body (autoimmune disease)

possibly playing a role are: o infections o genes o hormones

inflammation redness swelling heat pain joint stiffness limited joint motion weight loss aching muscles anemia

painful & swollen joints

disability loss of joint

function loss of movement cartilage

destruction bone erosion tendon

inflammation

control pain maintain joint motion prevent deformities range of motion

exercises medications surgical joint

replacement

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How Home Care Assistants Can H elp C lients With A rthritis

be flexible and open to treatment choices; accept encouragement and praise; maintain a positive attitude; ask their Doctor or Physical Therapist which exercises are best and for guidelines on exercising when

joints are sore or swelling; ask their Doctor about medications to stop or reduce pain so they can function better; rest when their body needs to rest, as too much activity or over exercising can cause more pain; protect their joints and take pressure off them; lose weight, which can reduce stress on joints and slow down further injury; break down activities into small tasks that can be managed more easily; develop a daily routine that schedules both rest and activity; ask their doctor about joining a self-help and education program; develop a support system of family, friends, and health caregivers; focus on their abilities instead of disabilities; focus on their strengths instead of their weaknesses, use assistive devices (canes, grab bars, larger handles); find new ways to carry on and enjoy their favorite activities; apply heat to relieve joint pain; and, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease wherein there is an accelerated loss of bone mass and a reduction in bone quality. If not prevented or if left untreated, it can progress painlessly until a bone breaks, usually in the hip, spine and/or wrist.

Fractures to the hip and spine are of greatest concern, although any bone can be affected, A hip fracture usually requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can affect a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. When fractures occur in the spine, spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain and deformity.


Specific causes are not known but there are risk factors: o older age o female gender o Caucasian or Asian race o small, slender bones o low calcium diet

often there are no symptoms

fractures if vertebrae break,

there is severe back pain, loss in height & spinal deformity

bones become fragile and are susceptible to fracture

loss of height severe back

pain deformity

eat a calcium rich diet take in enough Vitamin D estrogen replacement

therapy (to be determined By client:s PhysicianN

do weight bearing exercises wear a back brace or corset

(determined by Physician)

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past menopause low physical activity ovaries removed cigarette smoking too much alcohol &

caffeine family history excessive use of

medications such as cortisone & prednisone

previous fracture certain diseases such as

rheumatoid arthritis & lupus

use walking aids medications surgery

How Home Care Assistants Can H elp C lients With Osteoporosis

Encourage clients to:

do some physical activity everyday; avoid cigarettes and other forms of smoking; establish an exercise program with the help of a Physical Therapist avoid falling: o walk carefully O be alert for uneven ground; o wear good shoes; o don:t hurry when conducting activitiesC o reduce risk of accidents by making the home safe; o eat a diet with sufficient calcium and Vitamin D; and, o discuss hormone therapy with their Doctor.

manage pain: o apply ice and heat compresses; o take medications (consult with Doctor); o positive thinking; o relaxation; o meditation; o acupuncture; o visualization; and, o surgery.

Stroke A stroke occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain is interrupted. It can be caused by a blood vessel breaking, with blood bleeding into the brain or it can be caused by a blood clot blocking the blood supply to the brain. Whichever type of stroke it is, the death of brain cells may occur. When this happens, the parts of the body, which the dead cells once controlled, do not function.

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Causes/Risk Factors Symptoms Consequences T reatment/Prevention

smoking high blood pressure hardening of the

arteries heart disease diabetes

sudden weakness, numbness &/or tingling of the face, arm or leg

sudden temporary loss of speech or trouble understanding speech

sudden loss of vision, particularly in one eye, or double vision

unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially with the above signs

sudden severe headache for no apparent reason

paralysis or weakness on one side of the body

vision problems trouble using or

understanding language

inability to recognize or use familiar objects

tiredness depression expression of

emotional responses that are exaggerated or inappropriate

difficulty learning & remembering new information

changes in personality

slow or slurred speech

changes in sight, touch movement & thought

behavioral changes mobility problems functional

limitations

Treatment medications surgery rehabilitation prevention control high blood

pressure eat a high fiber, low

salt and low fat diet do regular, moderate

physical activity avoid alcohol &

tobacco take medication the

doctor prescribes

Home Care Assistants might help clients, who have had a stroke by:

learning as much as possible about the stroke; learn what affects the stroke has had on the senior; helping the senior to cope with his/her situation; using humor appropriately; being patient and kind; being optimistic but realistic; maintaining the senior:s dignity and privacyC and, not being condescending or juvenile when interacting;

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5ar6inson0s 7isease Parkinson:s Disease is a progressive neurological condition. The cells in the part of the brain, which control movement, are damaged. The rate of progression and the symptoms of the disease vary considerably from individual to individual.


Underlying cause is unknown but it has several possible causes: o brain tumor o head injury o degeneration of

the nerve tissue o poisoning o strokes o medications

tremors rigidity causing

muscle pain & stiffness

slowness of movement

difficulty with posture or poor balance

mask-like appearance drooling

shuffling walk hesitant speech abnormal posture slow movement slowed mental

function (in some people)

impaired memory (in some people)

medication surgical techniques physical therapy exercise

How Home Care Assistants Can H elp C lients With 5ar6inson0s 7isease Encourage them to:

accept the disease as part of their lives; take advantage of supportive measures, which will help them remain in control of the disease; consult with a physiotherapist to develop a physical therapy program that is tailored to their needs; exercise consistently and regularly -- consult with doctor before starting an exercise regime; eat a balanced and healthy diet; promote normal bowel elimination; practice safety measures to prevent injury; and, maximize their well being.

Note: The Home Care Assistant should always treat clients as adults and give them dignity and respect. Diabetes The pancreas produces a hormone (insulin), which is responsible for regulating the level of sugar in the blood. When the level of sugar becomes abnormally high, the resulting condition is known as diabetes.

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There are two main types of diabetes which affect seniors:

Type 1 Diabetes, which used to Be called “insulin-dependent” or “;uvenile diaBetes”, is caused By the lack of insulin production by the pancreas.

Type 2 Diabetes, which used to Be called “non insulin-dependent” diaBetes, is also known as “adult

onset”. It is Believed to Be related to life style haBits.

Causes/Risk Factors Symptoms Consequences T reatment Type 1

Cause is unknown but possibilities include:

interaction between genes & environmental factors viral infections

Type 2

Cause believed to be related to life styles. Susceptible people are:

those with a family history people between 40 & 75 people of Asian or African/Caribbean origin people who are overweight women who have given birth to large babies.

excessive thirst frequent urination weight loss lack of energy

blindness kidney failure electrolyte

imbalance insulin shock diabetic coma heart disease stroke

Type 1 - insulin therapy Type 2 O depends on what

part of the body has defects (e.g. pancreas, liver, muscle)

medications monitoring blood sugar

levels

Note: Not all people who develop diabetes display symptoms; hence, it may go undetected for years.

Things Home Care Assistants Should K now About Diabetic Emergencies

People with Type 1 diabetes and some people with Type 2 diabetes are at risk for developing insulin shock or going into a diabetic coma. Therefore, a Home Care Assistant should be alert for signs of either of these conditions:

Insulin Shock Insulin shock occurs when there is too much insulin in the body. This condition rapidly reduces the amount of sugar in the blood and brain cells suffer. It can be caused by taking too much medication, failing to eat, by heavy exercise and by emotional factors.

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Signs and symptoms include rapid breathing, dizziness, weakness, fast pulse, vision problems, sweating, headache, numbness in hands or feet, hunger and changes in the level of consciousness. A person in insulin shock needs sugar, quickly. If the person is conscious, give sugar in any form such as candy, fruit juice or a soft drink.

Diabetic Coma

This condition occurs when there is too much sugar and too little insulin in the blood and body cells do not get enough nourishment. It can be the result of eating too much sugar, by not taking prescribed medications, by stress and by infection. To tell the difference between insulin shock and a diabetic coma, look for the symptoms listed in each category listed above. If the client is awake ask:

o Have you eaten today? A person who has eaten but has not taken their medication may be in a diabetic coma.

o Have you taken your medication today? A person, who has not eaten but did take their medication, may be having an insulin reaction, which is a real emergency.

Note: When in doubt, give sugar in any form, as it can be life saving for a person in insulin shock and it won:t cause himGher further harm.

(See Section Eleven for care procedures in diabetic emergencies.) Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular disease is a disease of the heart and blood vessels often caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels. This is often due to accumulation of plaque in the lining of the blood vessels


high blood pressure high blood cholesterol previous heart attacks coronary artery disease heart arrhythmias heart valve disease congenital heart defects inflammation of the heart

muscle alcohol & drug abuse lack of exercise obesity

shortness of breath fatigue persistent cough fluid build up in

veins swelling of feet

legs and ankles frequent urination

at night weight gain due to

fluid buildup chest pain

congestive heart failure

heart attack circulation to

extremities is decreased

diuretics to remove excess fluid

medications surgical procedures adopting a healthy diet

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diabetes stress

loss of appetite indigestion swollen neck veins cold, sweaty skin restlessness,

confusion & decreased attention span & memory

How Home Care Assistants Can H elp Seniors With Cardiovascular Disease Encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle which includes:

participating in a medically supervised aerobic exercise program; quitting smoking; controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes; limiting consumption of alcohol and fluids; eating a heart healthy diet which is low fat and low salt; and; weighing daily to monitor fluid retention.

Signs and Symptoms of a H eart A ttack

The main symptoms and warning signs of a heart attack are:

Chest pain: o fullness or burning o heaviness, pressure or squeezing o tightness, discomfort or crushing

Pain spreading from center of the chest: o down one or both arms o up to the neck, jaw, shoulders or back

Additional Signs o nausea, vomiting and/or indigestion o anxiety or fear o denial, refusing to admit that anything is wrong o paleness, sweating or weakness or shortness of breath

Note: If a client displays these symptoms, the Home Care Assistant should ensure that he/she gets

medical attention immediately, ideally by calling for an ambulance.

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Anemia Anemia is a condition in which there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the tissues of the body. It is not a disease but is a symptom of an underlying health problem. Anemia can be temporary or long-term and can range from being mild to severe.


blood loss from accident, surgery, bleeding ulcer & hemorrhoids

increased destruction of red blood cells

toxins or diseases inherited disorders acquired condition chronic illness vitamin deficiency

tiredness or easily fatigued

weak or unable to exercise

prone to breathlessness even with little exertion

lightheadedness pale in appearance

congestive heart failure

decreased cognitive function

functional impairment

falling

treatment varies depending on cause & include:

iron vitamin supplements

blood transfusions bone marrow transplant

Note: Seniors may not display the common symptoms of anemia. Instead anemia may present itself in the form of confusion, fainting spells, falls, chest pain or congestive heart failure.

How Home Care Assistants Can H elp C lients, Who A re Anemic

Encourage them to:

take treatments and medications as prescribed; eat a balanced diet consisting of several small meals, even when tired, as several small meals will

provide more energy; eat foods that contain iron (eggs, red meat, liver and spinach); get more rest i.e. sleep more hours overnight and take naps during the day; don:t try to do many things in the same one day O save some for the next day and/or get help; lie down flat when feeling dizzy and when time to get up, rise very slowly; and, consult with doctor, nurse or dietician about taking vitamin supplements.

Respiratory Conditions The Respiratory system brings oxygen into the lungs and expels carbon dioxide. When this function is interfered with, a person is said to have a chronic obstructive lung disease.


smoking genetic abnormalities low level infection environmental pollutants

progressive shortness of breath

phlegm producing cough

early death temporary flare

ups respiratory

quit smoking medications inhalers oxygen therapy

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allergies rapid labored breathing

blue tinge to skin breathing difficulties

when lying flat

failure which leads to heart rhythm irregularities

surgery

There are three main types of chronic obstructive lung disease:

Chronic B ronchitis Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages (bronchi) which connect the windpipe with the sacs of the lungs. This results in excessive mucous production and swelling of the bronchial walls.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a disease in which there is destruction of the walls of the air sacs of the lung. It is frequently preceded by chronic bronchitis.

Asthma

Asthma is an inflammation of the lower airways, which obstructs air flow. It is characterized by wheezing, coughing, chest pain and chest tightening. Often it is allergy related.

Pneumonia Another common respiratory ailment that affects seniors is pneumonia. It is a general term, which refers to an infection of the lungs, which can be caused by a variety of microorganisms including bacterial, viruses and parasites. Like the flu, pneumonia can cause serious problems for the elderly.


bacteria viruses gender (men are more

susceptible) smoking & second hand

smoke heart problems lung problems diabetes, dementia prednisone

(medication) alcohol & drug abuse medical conditions age environmental factors

fever chills cough rapid or labored

breathing vomiting chest pain sore throat

fluid around the lungs

pus in the plural cavity

low blood sodium

abscess in lung

antibiotics bed rest plenty of fluids therapeutic coughing breathing exercises pain relieving

medication fever reducing

medication

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How Home Care Assistants Can H elp Seniors Avoid Pneumonia HCAs can help seniors reduce their chances of coming down with pneumonia by advising them of prevention techniques, which include:

avoid smoking; asking doctor about relevancy of a flu shot every fall; asking doctor of relevance of pneumonia vaccine; eating proper diet; getting enough exercise; and, obtaining enough sleep.

Things a Home Care Assistant Should K now When Working A round Oxygen Home Care Assistants are not responsible for administering oxygen. However, there are some things that they should be aware of when working with a client who is on oxygen therapy:

Never smoke or allow others to smoke when oxygen is in use. Signs should be posted on doors of home to indicate that oxygen is in use. Keep flammable objects such as cleaning fluids, aerosols and alcohol containing sprays away from

oxygen. Avoid using anything greasy around oxygen equipment. Do not use any electrical appliance which has a motor around oxygen (e.g., electric razor), If a fire starts, turn the oxygen off immediately. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach. Keep the oxygen container away from open flames (e.g. fireplaces, candles). Be alert for oxygen leaking from its container (hissing sound) O open windows to clear out excess

oxygen. Don:t leave oLygen cords lying around in places where someBody can trip over them. Store oxygen containers in an upright position O don:t let them fall horiPontally. Don:t adapt a 2 hole electrical outlet to accommodate a R prong plug. Do not use an extension cord to plug in oxygen. If area around client:s nose Becomes dry and irritated, apply padding or a water Based product Ie.g. K

Y Jelly) Do not use oil based products (e.g. petroleum jelly).

Paralysis

Paralysis is a complete loss of strength in an affected limb or muscle group. While it can affect a single body part, it usually affects an entire body region. The types of paralysis are classified by region:

Monoplegia, which affects only one limb; Diplegia, which affects the same body region on both sides (e.g. both arms); H emiplegia, which affects one side of the body; Paraplegia, which affects both legs and the trunk; and, Quadraplegia, which affects all four limbs and the trunk.

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Causes/Risk Factors Symptoms/Consequences T reatment

stroke tumor trauma Multiple Sclerosis Cerebral Palsy metabolic disorder herniated disc Rheumatoid Arthritis

loss of movement in affected parts. pain numbness & tingling speech difficulties balance problems vision changes breathing difficulties loss of bowel & bladder function loss of sexual function

treatment of underlying cause physical therapy to strengthen

muscles that still work use of assistive devices such

as canes, braces, wheelchairs occupational therapy to

develop tools & techniques to facilitate self care

depending on the impairment, assistance may be needed (e.g. Respiratory Therapist Counselor, Social Worker, Speech Pathologist)

How Home Care Assistants Can H elp Seniors With Paralysis

provide emotional and psychological support; encourage senior to undergo therapies recommended (e.g. physical therapy, occupational therapy and

speech therapy); assist with exercises or perform range of motion exercises to maintain muscle function; follow bladder and bowel training programs; use devices such as pillows and footboards to maintain good body alignment at all times; give good skin care to prevent bed sores; turn and position the senior at least every two hours; prevent burns by ensuring temperatures are within safe limits; and, prevent falls.

Cancer Cancer is any malignant growth or tumor, which is caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division. It may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or via the blood stream. Many types of cancer are curable, if caught early. Treatment varies depending on the type and classification of cancer an individual has. People diagnosed with the disease make the choice as to whether or not to undergo treatment. Some choose to let the disease run its course, without medical intervention to prolong life, whereas others will opt for any and all types of treatment available. It is an individual decision and the inflicted person needs to Be supported in whichever option heGshe chooses. Home Care Assistants need to respect their clients: wishes and not pass judgment on the choices they make.

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Causes/Risk Factors Symptoms/Consequences T reatment General risk factors:

food/diet genetics hormones radiation tobacco physical activity/weight workplace/environment

General Symptoms: a lump or thickening in the breast or

testicles a change in a wart or mole a skin sore or a persistent sore throat

that doesn't heal a change in bowel or bladder habits a persistent cough or coughing blood constant indigestion difficulty swallowing change in bowel or bladder habits unusual bleeding or vaginal

discharge chronic fatigue Consequences: some forms of cancer are fatal some forms of cancer are curable some cancers can be put into

remission some cancers are painful

chemotherapy hormonal therapy radiation surgery pain management combination of above

How Home Care Assistants Should Interact With C lients Who A re Battling Cancer

Be yourself and don:t worry aBout whether things are Being done right or wrong. Be a good listener i.e. hear what the client is saying. Let the client take the lead in conversations. It is not necessary that interactions always involve conversation. Silence is okay as it allows clients

to collect their thoughts. Try to maintain eye contact with the client. Be careful what emotions and body language you project to avoid upsetting the client. Clients are not seeking advice, so don:t offer any. Don:t say you know how the client feels when you really haven:t eLperienced what heGshe is going

through. Don:t visit with the client if you lack control over your own emotions. Bring some levity to the conversation. i.e. Talk about humorous things and other topics. Don:t

dwell on the cancer, unless this is what the client wants to talk about. Try to involve clients in as many activities as they would like to Become involved in. Don:t Be a

human shield for the client. Kmpathy and concern are the Best “gifts” you can give to clients.

Eye Problems Vision can be affected at any age. Sight problems may develop suddenly or they can evolve over a period of years. Two of the more common eye disorders that affect seniors are:

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Glaucoma is a disease of the eye, which is marked by increased pressure within the eyeball. If it is left untreated, glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and cause loss of vision. A Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The majority of cataracts are related to age and take years to develop. If left untreated, cataracts will eventually cause blindness.

Disorder Symptoms T reatment Glaucoma

difficulty adjusting to dark rooms difficulty focusing double vision tearing of eyes sensitivity to light or glare sudden loss of vision blurred vision seeing white or black spots seeing a halo around light

Can be controlled but not cured with: surgery medication eye drops laser treatments

Cataract

blurry vision double vision sensitivity to light & glare colours appear “dimmer

surgical removal of lens & implantation of an artificial lens

How Home Care Assistants Can H elp Seniors With V ision Problems

Encourage them to consult with their Doctor regarding treatment options. Protect their eyes from ultraviolet light. Avoid smoky environments, as smoking increases the rate of cataract formation. Determine to what degree their vision is impaired by asking them to describe how much they can see. Help them to learn Braille, if that is their wish. Become familiar with the techniques for helping the blind. (See Section Four on Communications)

Ear Problems The two primary functions of the ear are hearing and balance. Many people experience some hearing loss, as they age, which ranges from mild to total deafness. Common ear problems that can be found in seniors are:

Hearing Loss Meniere:s Disease

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H earing Loss

Causes Symptoms T reatment

damage to the nerve fibers in the inner ear

obstruction or infection in the ear canal

perforation of ear drum

difficulty hearing sounds hearing the wrong words problems hearing in a group setting trouble hearing higher pitched voices responding inappropriately to

questions turning up volume on tv, radio or

stereo perception that others mumble a lot

hearing aids are helpful when hearing loss is a result of nerve damage

medical treatment is used for most other types of hearing loss (e.g. surgery, medication)

1eniere0s 7isease Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear, which affects balance and hearing. It is characterized by dizziness, loss of hearing in one or both ears and ringing in the ear.

Causes Symptoms T reatment

Exact cause is unknown but possibilities include:

middle ear infection head injury syphilis genetic disposition certain medications

intermittent dizziness intermittent hearing loss in one ear intermittent ringing in the ears intermittent feelings of a “plugged”

ear nausea vomiting sweating uncontrollable eye movements

No known cure but treatment is focused on treating the symptoms and lowering the pressure in the middle ear (e.g. medications, surgery, hearing aid)

How Home Care Assistants Can H elp Seniors With H earing Problems

Be aware that hearing loss is a deBilitating condition and can affect seniors: relationships, social involvement, emotional stability and communication.

Encourage seniors to seek medical attention quickly if an ear infection is suspected. Be aware of senior:s tendency to lose Balance and Be ready to provide immediate assistance. Check to ensure the senior has his/her hearing aid turned on. Learn the techniques for communicating with the hearing impaired. (See Section Four.)

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Common H ealth Care M istakes Made by Seniors The most common health care mistakes made by seniors are being presented to enable Home Care Assistants to help seniors deal with their health problems. The goals are:

to improve communications between seniors and their doctors; help seniors gain a better understanding of how the health care system works; and, to inform seniors what they can do themselves to stay healthy

Following are the most common healthcare mistakes seniors make:

not asking family/friends for help; not participating in prevention programs; not seeking medical help when warning signs occur; not having one main Doctor who oversees the medical treatment plan; not taking measures to guard against falls; not understanding information the Doctor has given to them; not having a plan for managing medications; not discussing intimate health problems with their Doctor or health care provider; not accepting assistive devices which will help them cope with the aging process; and, not giving up driving when doing so is no longer safe.

Summary Aging brings with it a series of chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and nervous system disorders. The development of these conditions is a normal process and can inflict many seniors. While chronic problems are not usually life threatening, they do affect lifestyle, functionality and sense of purpose. They bring with them physical, mental and emotional challenges, the likes of which many seniors have never faced before. Learning to accept these unwanted realities takes time, patience and understanding. Along with chronic conditions, seniors are also susceptible to more serious and life threatening diseases, such as cancer, which can be devastating to them and their families. By being supportive and knowledgeable about the causes, symptoms and treatment of these conditions/diseases, Home Care Assistants can help their clients cope and ease into their golden years with as little stress as possible.

Common Health Problems in Seniors

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