What to Include in a Senior’s Checklist for Yearly Checkups

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Regular doctor’s visits are an important part of staying healthy during the senior years. Annual checkups can prevent certain health conditions, and they also allow seniors to discuss their current state of health with their doctors. An annual health checkup for a senior should typically include the following things. 

Take Annual Measurements

Each year, your loved one’s height and weight should be measured and recorded by the doctor. Taking measurements allows the doctor to see if your loved one’s height or weight is changing in a concerning manner. A sudden weight gain or loss could indicate the onset of certain health conditions. Seniors also need their height measured because a drop in height could be a symptom of osteoporosis. 

Seniors are susceptible to a wide variety of serious health conditions that could impact their quality of life. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Potomac families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Examine Blood Pressure Levels

Many health conditions, like heart attacks, strokes, and dementia, are directly linked to high blood pressure levels. A doctor can check your loved one’s blood pressure level during the visit. If your loved one’s blood pressure is high, the doctor can discuss methods for lowering it. 

Review Medications

If your loved one is experiencing side effects from a medication, an annual checkup is a good time to talk about switching to a new medicine. You should also bring a list of all over-the-counter medications and vitamin supplements your loved one is taking. The doctor can review these to make sure they’re not interacting negatively, and he or she may suggest alternative options if necessary. 

Get Booster Shots

The strength of an immunization shot wears off with time, so seniors may be due for some booster shots at their annual checkups. Doctors typically recommend seniors get a pneumococcal and flu vaccine every year, a shingles vaccine every five years, and diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus shots every ten years. 

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help with transportation to doctor’s appointments or performing daily tasks. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Potomac respite care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are here to help. All of our home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

Screen for Additional Conditions

Since seniors are likely to develop certain health conditions, they may need more tests done to make sure they’re healthy. Senior men should get regular prostate exams, and elderly women should consider pap smears and mammograms. Both genders may also need chest X-rays, fecal occult blood tests, or colonoscopies. Seniors should talk to their doctors about the different types of screenings. 

Draw Blood for Lab Tests

One of the simplest preventative measures your loved one can take is getting routine blood tests done. Blood test results can tell if your loved one has a heart condition, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, a thyroid condition, a kidney disorder, or another issue. Having blood work done helps seniors get treatment for their conditions before more serious symptoms start showing up. Getting annual health checkups is one of the many ways seniors can enjoy a high quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Specialists today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.