3 Most Common Diseases Seniors Face and How to Handle Them as a Medical Professional

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but, as a home health aide, you can make the process of getting older a little easier. Did you know that more than 80% of seniors suffer from at least one chronic health condition and 77% of seniors have two or more conditions? Here are 3 of the most common diseases that seniors face. By attending HHA training in the Bronx, you can help our aging generations to live out their golden years happily and healthily.

  1. Hypertension

More than 90% of Americans over the age of 55 have high blood pressure. Women are more likely to suffer from hypertension, but men are also diagnosed quite often. The condition can lead to blood clots, stroke, and even dementia.

As a home health aide, you can help patients who suffer from hypertension by ensuring they take their required medication. You can also minimize symptoms by ensuring your patient is active on a daily basis and that he/she is eating a heart-healthy diet.

  1. Diabetes

Around 12 million Americans over the age of 60 suffer from diabetes. This totals around 23% of the population! Diabetes impacts the body in several ways, including nerve and blood vessel damage, eye problems, and macrovascular complications.

Since diabetes is often treated using drugs, as a home health aide you’ll ensure that your patients are taking the necessary dosages to keep their condition under control. You can also assist with daily exercise and cooking low-sugar, low-carbohydrate meals.

  1. High Cholesterol

High cholesterol occurs when the arteries that lead blood to the heart are clogged. The condition is often caused by a high-fat diet, obesity, and poor lifestyle choices. Almost 50% of seniors suffer from high cholesterol.

As an HHA, you can help patients with high cholesterol by working with them to stay active. Helping your patient make positive lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking or eating a healthier diet, is also crucial.

How You Can Help as an HHA Aide

As a home health aide, you’ll have the knowledge and experience needed in order to assist the thousands of seniors who suffer from a chronic condition. Most patients require daily assistance, care, and supervision in their home. With quality home aide training in NYC, you can help aging patients retain a sense of comfort and independence.

As a home health aide, you can provide important medical care, such as administering medications, monitoring vitals, and replacing sterile dressings. With an HHA certification in NYC, you’ll also learn the skills to help with daily activities like cooking, getting dressed, and personal hygiene.

As an HHA You May also Need to Assist With:

  • Grocery shopping and meal preparation
  • Light housekeeping
  • Arranging transportation
  • Maintaining daily physical activity

While the job requires a lot of time and effort, it’s extremely rewarding to take care of someone and to know that you’re making that person more comfortable.

Start Your Home Aide Training in NYC

If you’re ready to become a home aide, we offer high-quality home attendant training in the Bronx. To become a certified HHA at ABC Training Center, you’ll need to complete 76 classroom hours and 8 clinical assignments to round out your skills and experience. For only $600 and a few short weeks, you can obtain your home health aide certification and start your rewarding career!

Make today the day you start your path in the healthcare industry. Call our office at (718) 364-6700 to learn about our HHA classes in NYC. We look forward to helping you become a well-trained healthcare worker.

Sources

  1. https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/healthy-aging-facts/

2. https://www.ncoa.org/blog/10-common-chronic-diseases-prevention-tips/