{"id":26482,"date":"2021-08-06T17:33:10","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T17:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/?p=26482"},"modified":"2023-06-14T04:25:17","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T04:25:17","slug":"caring-for-aging-parents-with-high-blood-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/caring-for-aging-parents-with-high-blood-pressure\/?lang=ce","title":{"rendered":"Caring for Aging Parents with High Blood Pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"

Caring for Aging Parents with High Blood Pressure<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

In the US, there are over\u00a039 million people<\/a>\u00a0acting as caregivers for aging relatives.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re reading this, you probably already know that caring for your aging parents can be stressful \u2013 from basics like keeping in frequent contact to taking them to appointments and ensuring that they are safe in their home. \u00a0Add in a medical concern, like high blood pressure, and it\u2019s enough to elevate your own blood pressure!<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the\u00a0risk of developing hypertension<\/a>\u00a0(aka high blood pressure or HBP) by 80 years of age is a staggering 93% for men and 91% for women, so it may be best to prepare and plan for managing this condition. \u00a0The good news is that there are technologies and services designed to make your life as a caregiver easier, and they can also help provide routine and assurance to your elderly parents.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

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We\u2019ve put together a few steps you can take to help reduce your stress while ensuring you stay on top of your parent\u2019s health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

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Start Monitoring Blood Pressure Early<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Because so many people develop hypertension, home BP\u00a0measurements\u00a0before (or early on in) a high blood pressure diagnosis<\/a>\u00a0can help your parent\u2019s physician understand and adjust to the various factors in Mom or Dad\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

For example, is their blood pressure higher in the morning?\u00a0 Because home measurements can give a more accurate picture of health than in clinic measurements (due to the frequency and being in a more relaxed environment), these details can help develop a treatment plan \u2013 plus if you start early, home monitoring may be easier for your parent to be comfortable\u00a0with the process as they continue to age.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

Talk About the Importance of Monitoring<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In your hurry to get to doctor\u2019s appointments and ensure your parent has taken their medication, it may be easy to skip over talking to them about why exactly the new step of regular BP monitoring is important. \u00a0However,\u00a0studies show<\/a>\u00a0that when patients are active in their care, they are not only more engaged in their outcome, the outcomes can be improved.<\/p>\n

So\u2026 take a few minutes to explain\u00a0what high blood pressure is<\/a>\u00a0and how important it is to monitor regularly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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Make a Plan and Set Goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

First, talk to your parent\u2019s doctor about what their goals should be. \u00a0Is it to measure their BP every morning? \u00a0Twice a day, morning and evening? \u00a0Taking BP measurements regularly will help establish an average\/baseline to give you an idea when something is off \u2013 and in need of medical attention. \u00a0When Mom or Dad takes\u00a0and logs their blood pressure<\/a>, be generous with your praise!<\/p>\n

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Each measurement not only gives you more information, it helps set a new good habit that you can build on.<\/p>\n

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Consider a Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Even though your parent may be taking their BP every day, your schedule may not always allow you to come by that frequently. \u00a0Calling or setting reminders may help, but the problem is you won\u2019t know if their log is filled out until you visit next.<\/p>\n

If you have them use a\u00a0Wireless\u00a0Bluetooth blood pressure monitor<\/a>, you\u2019ll be able to check their measurements from afar \u2013 and even send the logs to their doctor if you think there might be a concern. \u00a0Plus, they might appreciate not having to keep a physical log \u2013 since the BP monitor does it for you, it\u2019s one less step!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

While there\u2019s always going to be some stress in caring for your elderly parents, hopefully these steps help ease the burden and allow you to focus on your top priority: keeping your parents happy and healthy.\u00a0 Simple steps like the above can help keep both you and your parents focused on the positive steps you’re taking in improving their health and quality of life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/p>\n