Causes for Decreased Kidney Function
As noted above, there are numerous reasons why an elderly person might have decreased kidney function. As a family caregiver, learning about these causes can help you and your skilled nursing care at home provider to better understand why your elderly loved one is experiencing problems with their kidneys. You can also speak to your elderly loved one’s doctor and ask them why your elderly loved one’s kidneys aren’t working properly. Some of the main causes that may be leading to worsened kidney function in the elderly include:
- Urinary tract infections or UTIs – Oftentimes, these go untreated in the elderly and when this happens the infection can travel to the kidneys
- Disease – Diabetes and other diseases can cause kidney damage
- High blood pressure – Studies show that high blood pressure does negatively impact the kidneys
- Urinary incontinence – When there is uncontrollable urine leakage, the kidneys can’t keep up and may become damaged
These are just some of the many reasons why kidney function problems occur in the elderly. If this is something your elderly loved one is experiencing, they may need to get home health care services.
How to Improve or Treat Kidney Function Issues in the Elderly
If your elderly loved one’s doctor does determine they have kidney function issues, there are many treatments they may order or recommend. Some of the main ones that are used in the elderly include:
- Blood pressure medications or lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure
- Diabetes management through medications or lifestyle changes
- Controlling phosphorus and protein levels
- Improving cholesterol
By handling all these issues, hopefully, your elderly loved one’s reduced kidney function can be at least somewhat repaired.
Types of Medications Given for Kidney Health
To treat kidney function issues, there are many medications that your elderly loved one’s doctor may need to or can prescribe. Once given the medication, you can get home health care services, so a home care provider can give or remind your elderly loved one to take their medications. Some of the types of medications given for kidney health include:
- Antihistamines
- Ibuprofen
- Blood thinners
- Antibiotics
The medications that are given will depend on what is causing the kidney function problems in the first place. For example, a UTI would likely be treated with antibiotics.
Conclusion
These are some of the things that you may need or want to know regarding kidney function problems in senior citizens. Now that you know more about this issue, if you suspect or know your elderly loved one is dealing with kidney health issues, you can have them see their doctor and get the treatments they need.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Skilled Nursing Care at Home in Shelby Township, MI, please contact the caring staff at New Century Home Health Care today. (248) 398-9600
Sources
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/kidneys-age-related-problems
Home Health Care is tailored to assist the individual and family to achieve the optimal level of health, prevent hospitalization and provide care and support for the family. Services are delivered on an intermittent basis according to a plan of treatment established by the patient/family, patient’s physician and the home health professionals.
Our services range from skilled nursing care and rehabilitation, to personal care and living assistance services. Our goal is to provide a variety of professional skilled and non-skilled services that will enable our clients to receive the care they need right in their homes.
We would like to take the opportunity to show you our company’s commitment to not just meet, but also exceed home health care delivery standards. New Century Home Health Care, Inc.’s mission is to build a positive, trusting relationship with you.
- Help Your Senior Loved One Feel Younger - December 9, 2022
- Home Health Care Fills in Care Gaps for Seniors - November 23, 2022
- The Benefits of Mediation for Seniors - November 4, 2022
