Anemia—and How In-Home Care Can Help Seniors

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Anemia—and How In-Home Care Can Help Seniors

People with anemia don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to their body’s tissues. Anemia can be temporary or long-term and mild to severe. Whatever the case, our in-home caregivers are here to support you and make sure you stay safe.

In-Home Care for Seniors With Anemia

Preferred Care at Home’s trained, compassionate in-home caregivers encourage their senior clients with anemia to:

  • Take treatments and medications as prescribed.
  • Eat a balanced diet consisting of several small meals, even when tired. (Eating frequent small meals provides more energy.)
  • Eat foods that have iron (eggs, red meat, liver and spinach).
  • Get more rest (sleep longer and take naps).
  • Not try to do many things in the same day. Save some for the next day and/or get help.
  • Lie down flat when feeling dizzy, and rise very slowly when it’s time to get up.
  • Consult with their doctor, nurse or dietitian about taking vitamin supplements.

Anemia Causes and Risk Factors

Anemia isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom of an underlying health problem. These are some of the things that can cause it:

  • Blood loss from an accident, surgery, a bleeding ulcer or hemorrhoids
  • Toxins
  • Certain diseases and chronic illnesses
  • Vitamin deficiency

Symptoms of Anemia

Common signs and symptoms of anemia include:

  • Feeling tired or easily fatigued
  • Feeling weak or unable to exercise
  • Being prone to breathlessness, even with little exertion
  • Being lightheaded
  • Looking pale

In seniors, however, anemia may look different. Instead of these common symptoms, you may notice confusion, fainting spells, falls, chest pain or even congestive heart failure.

Treatment for Anemia

Treatment varies. It depends on the cause. Options include:

  • Taking iron supplements
  • Having blood transfusions
  • Having a bone-marrow transplant

For more information on how our caregivers can provide reliable, compassionate in-home care for people with anemia, please contact us today to experience the Preferred Care at Home difference.

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