Unless you are a doctor or a nurse, medical warning signs are not in the forefront of your thinking. The best advice we can offer is this: if you notice any change physically, mentally or emotionally in your elderly loved one and if it persists for more than a short time, you need to see a doctor.
For example, if your loved one is experiencing a small bout of diarrhea, it’s possible that it is a reaction to a food or medication and that it will subside. But if it continues for several hours and your loved one becomes dehydrated, then you must see a doctor. Many medical warning signs are subtle and easy to miss unless you are paying close attention. On this site, The Care Company is proud to bring you numerous tips, articles and information about what you need to know regarding medical care for an elderly loved one. Should you have specific questions, Kelly Rosenberry is available to help you get up to speed and coach you through your concerns.
The most important thing you can do as a caregiver is to be alert. By doing a few simple things every time you visit your loved one, you confirm that no new health concerns have arisen or catch any that have early.
Make sure to weigh your loved one every time you visit. Weight fluctuations are usually indicate that something is wrong. It could be as simple as not eating properly or, with large weight gains, it could indicate fluid retention. Do not try to diagnose the problem yourself, but rather, contact the doctor.
Check the elder’s skin. If you notice a change in consistency, call the doctor.
Listen for labored breathing or a change in breathing.
Check to see if medications are being taken as ordered.
These are just a few of the things you should be paying attention to, but the most important thing is that if you notice a change, take your loved one to the doctor.
The Care Company does not take anything related to an elder’s medical care or condition lightly, and we strongly encourage you to forge a good relationship with your loved one’s primary care physician and the doctor’s nurse.
Do not attempt to diagnose illness yourself, but do become as familiar as you can with the information available here.
If something is happening physically that scares you, such as your loved one’s being unable to catch a breath, call 911! It is always better to err on the side of caution.
If your loved one has a specific medical condition, we also encourage you to read and get as much information as you can about the condition. Check with the doctor who is treating the elder for recommended reading so that you can become educated from a trusted resource.
