Nation Senior Citizens Day

Every year the United States recognizes Nation Senior Citizens Day on August 21st. Let’s take this opportunity to appreciate senior citizens and learn about some of the risks associated with senior healthcare.

Health Risks for Senior Citizens

As people age, it becomes more likely they develop an illness. The immune system becomes weaker and unable to fight off infections as efficiently. Common diseases that are seen in older populations include Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Myocardial Infarction (heart attack), Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat or rhythm), Pneumonia, and others. If you or someone you are caring for is experiencing symptoms of illness, contact their primary care physician or call 911 in case of an emergency.

Heart-Related Illnesses

Signs and symptoms of an illness will be different depending on what the illness is. Some of the more serious diseases seen in the senior healthcare field include heart-related illnesses. Some of these illnesses are Myocardial Infarction (MI) and Cerebral Vascular Attacks (CVA). With heart-related illnesses patients may experience any or all of the below symptoms. It’s key to seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 if you suspect either of these conditions are occurring.

Myocardial Infarction Symptoms:

  • Chest pain
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Pain that radiates down the left side (arm, jaw, or chest area)
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath

Cerebral Vascular Attack Symptoms:

Sudden onset of any of the following:

  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • Slurred speech
  • Face drooping (no muscle tone) on either side of the face
  • Confusion
  • Inability to speak
  • Vision problems
  • Dizziness
  • Severe blinding headache

The above list of symptoms is not an exhaustive list of all possible symptoms for Myocardial Infarction or Cerebral Vascular Attacks. These are only some of the more commonly seen symptoms. Starting treatment as soon as possible can lessen or prevent further damage before arriving at the hospital.

Other Illnesses in Elderly Healthcare

Other illnesses such as Urinary Tract Infections or Pneumonia are common in seniors healthcare too. These can result in long-term complications, lead to additional infections such as sepsis, or become more difficult to treat if not addressed early on. While these types of illnesses are not typically life-threatening, they can become deadly if left untreated. See the list of common symptoms for these two illnesses below.

Urinary Tract Infections:

  • High fever, a temperature greater than 101°F
  • Increased heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cloudy or malodorous urine

Pneumonia:

  • High fever, a temperature greater than 101°F
  • Increased heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Productive cough with green, yellow, or brown sputum (mucus)

If you or someone you are caring for experience any of the above symptoms, contact your primary care provider or a local emergency room for prompt treatment.

There are a vast number of illnesses that can require treatment in seniors. These are some of the most common reasons for an emergency room visit becomes necessary. If it is determined that an elderly patient needs to be admitted for extended care due to illness, the Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit at OakBend Medical Hospital is specially designed to care for them.

Specialized Elderly Care at OakBend

The Acute Care for the Elderly Unit at OakBend Medical Hospital is for the aging population who need in-patient care. The unit works closely with physicians, physical and occupational therapy providers, nutritionists, and other parts of the patient’s senior healthcare team. Providers work together to keep patients moving and socializing, getting them back to where they were before the illness.

Studies show that physical movement and socializing can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for patients, and even reduce the risk of developing additional illnesses or diseases while in the hospital. This is why our specially designed ACE unit is an essential part of our community and the care that OakBend Medical Hospital provides.

Staff on our ACE Unit ensure that patients get up and out of their rooms for every meal, during planned activities, and for physical and occupational therapy each day. Meals are served in the dining area to promote socialization and help ward off potential feelings of depression. With a variety of activities ranging from BINGO, Scrabble, and UNO, to coloring, reading books, and watching TV, our patients have plenty of things to do to keep busy and active during their time in the hospital. The unit actively encourages patients’ families visit during their stay at OakBend Medical Hospital. Participating in the activities for patients and reducing the risk of patients feeling isolated while getting the medical treatment they need.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide exceptional care for the elderly and senior community members, getting them back to their everyday lives as easily as possible. If you or a loved one is aging and you would like more information about OakBend’s Acute Care for the Elderly Unit, please contact us at 281-341-3000.

Content provided by a staff member on our Acute Care for the Elderly Unit.

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