Elder Care in Largo FL
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that is found at the base of the neck. When working properly, this gland is responsible for setting the elder’s metabolic rate and helping the body convert food to energy. When the thyroid does not work the way it is supposed to, the elder is at risk for a wide range of health problems.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 20 million Americans have thyroid disease. With the help of a professional elder care provider, your loved one will be able to get the care they need, while also having someone to monitor their health at all times. Here is some more information on thyroid disease to help you better understand your parent’s condition.
Symptoms
If your loved one has any of these symptoms, there is a good chance that thyroid disease is the culprit.
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Unusual weight gain
- Fluid retention
- Hoarse voice
- Hair loss
- Dry, pale skin
- Stiffness and aches in the muscles
- Forgetfulness
- Depression
- Problems with their mental alertness
If they have hyperthyroidism, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating
- Increased bowel movements
- Frequently nervous
- Agitation
- Abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure
- Rapid heart rate
- Mild tremors
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Confusion
Causes
There are a wide range of medical conditions that could be behind the elder’s thyroid problems, such as:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disorder
- Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive
- Resistance to the thyroid hormone
- Medications that affect the thyroid
- Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive
- Consuming too much iodine
- Hashitoxicosis
- Toxic nodule
- Grave’s disease
- Toxic multi-nodular goiter
- Silent thyroiditis
Diagnosis
If the senior’s doctor suspects thyroid problems, they will most likely want to run some blood tests. These tests will tell the doctor what their hormone levels and thyroid function are. Imaging tests may also be used, which include thyroid scans and ultrasounds.
Treatment
The treatment option used for each elder depends entirely on their condition and the severity of it. Some common options include using beta-blockers and anti-inflammatory drugs. If remembering to take their medication is something your loved one has trouble doing, an elder care provider can be hired in order to remind the elder when their medication should be administered.
In order for the elder to reduce their risk of developing thyroid disease, taking care of their health is a great way to start. This includes exercising, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring In-Home Elder Care in Largo, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
