Few chronic conditions can disrupt an elderly adult’s life more than dizziness.
Not only does moderate to severe dizzy spells signal that something isn’t right, they can prevent aging adults from living independently in their own home. Family caregivers that have an aging relative with chronic dizziness must work closely with the doctor to keep their loved one safe and comfortable as they try to navigate daily life with the condition.
What is Chronic Dizziness?
The sensation of spinning, lightheadedness and losing balance is quite hard to live with daily. Many seniors only have dizzy spells once in a while and they fade when the person sits down and rests. Other dizzy spells can come on whenever the elderly adult stands up or tries to walk. Regardless of the severity of the chronic dizziness, elderly adults are in danger of suffering from a slip and fall accident that can cause serious harm to their health.
What Causes Chronic Dizziness?
Family caregivers that hear their aging relative complain about feeling dizzy should certainly take them to a doctor for an exam. Some of the most common causes of dizziness in seniors include malnutrition, dehydration, low blood pressure, too much caffeine and side effects from medication. Other triggers for chronic dizziness include heat stroke, migraines, and low blood sugar.
There are many causes of chronic dizziness in seniors, and it is often a symptom of a much more serious health issue. In these cases, dizziness may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or headaches. Examples include vertigo, ventricular tachycardia, inner ear infections, ulcers, pulmonary embolism, brain tumor, heart attacks, and strokes. Once a doctor can identify the cause for the dizziness, treatment can begin.
Living with Chronic Dizziness
Once the elderly adult is being treated by a doctor, family caregivers must decide what to do for their loved ones, so they can stay in the home. Many family caregivers hire home care providers to be with their relative throughout the day. Home care providers are on hand to help them move from room to room, use the bathroom, get dressed, prepare meals and even drive them to appointments.
Another advantage of home care providers is that they are nearby if the elderly person experiences a downturn in their health or does have a slip and fall accident. Instead of being alone and hurt, the elderly person has a capable aide to help them with whatever they need. Home care providers also give family caregivers some peace of mind knowing their aging loved one is being looked after by a professional.
When an elderly person struggles with chronic dizziness, it’s important for family caregivers to provide a safe and comfortable environment for them to live in as they work with doctors to find a cure for the problem. Chronic dizziness can be a real impediment to an aging adult’s quality of life, but with medical attention and good support, they can remain as safe and healthy as possible.
If you or a family member are in need of Homecare in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770.
Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
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