Seniors need to protect their kidneys as they get older. According to studies done by Johns Hopkins University more than 50% of seniors over the age of 75 have some type of kidney disease. If seniors start actively working on their kidney health as early as possible, they may reduce their risk of developing kidney disease. Some of the things that seniors should be doing right now to protect their kidneys are:
Reduce Salt Intake
One of the easiest things that seniors can do to protect their kidneys is to just reduce their salt intake. Seniors can still have salt, but reducing salt intake by half can cause a big improvement in kidney health. Seniors should also be careful about how much salt they’re consuming without knowing it. Most prepared foods and restaurant foods have a lot of salt. That’s why seniors should be preparing most of their meals from scratch. Seniors who have elder care will have the help they need to prepare meals from scratch and avoid using too much salt. Elder care can also help seniors read food labels and learn more about what foods have hidden salt in them.
Drink More Water
Drinking water can help keep the kidneys healthy and functioning the way they should. Seniors often aren’t getting enough water and that dehydration can cause kidney damage over time. Elder care providers can remind and encourage seniors to drink more water and stay hydrated. When your senior parent is drinking more water it will help flush waste and toxins out of the cells so that the kidneys can do their job efficiently.
Treat UTIs Right Away
Seniors are prone to urinary tract infections. Often seniors who are incontinent battle UTIs on a regular basis because some hygiene tasks can be difficult for them. It’s important that seniors who are prone to UTIs or get them frequently are seen by a doctor as soon as they realize that they are experiencing the symptoms of a UTI. If urinary tract infections are left untreated they can cause kidney damage and over time they may even lead to kidney failure. Some of the symptoms that can indicate a senior has a UTI are frequent urinations, feeling the urge to urinate strongly, sharp or dull pain in the abdomen, and fever. Seniors with a UTI also may become confused or seem unclear.
Avoid Overusing Painkillers
Over the counter pain relievers can be very hard on the kidneys. If your senior parent is the type of senior that would rather take six over the counter pain relievers than call the doctor if they are having pain you must convince your senior parent to see the doctor if they are experiencing chronic pain. Their doctor can give advice about more effective pain management and may prescribe prescription pain relievers or muscle relaxers instead of having your senior parent take more over the counter pain relievers.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Garner, NC, please contact the caring staff at East Carolina Home Care today. Call (919) 462-7003.
Providing quality home care for seniors and families in and around Raleigh, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina, Garner, New Hill, Wake Forest, Nightsdale, Wendell, White Oak, Rolesville and Cary, North Carolina.
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