Senior Wellness Checks: What You Should Be Doing Annually
As we age, maintaining our health becomes increasingly important, and regular wellness checks are one of the best ways to ensure we’re staying on top of any potential health issues. Annual wellness visits allow seniors to assess their overall health, address any concerns, and make necessary adjustments to lifestyle habits or medical treatments. These preventive checks are crucial for catching any signs of illness early and ensuring a higher quality of life in our later years.
In this post, we’ll break down the key wellness checks seniors should be doing annually and why they’re important for long-term health. Whether you or your loved ones are managing chronic conditions or simply looking to maintain good health, this guide can help ensure you’re getting the right care. Plus, we’ll discuss how Caringene can assist with in-home help to keep seniors on track with their health goals.
1. Annual Physical Exam
The annual physical is a foundational aspect of senior healthcare. During a physical exam, your doctor will assess various aspects of your health, including:
Vital Signs: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are checked to ensure they’re within normal ranges.
Heart and Lung Health: Your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs to detect any abnormalities such as murmurs, arrhythmias, or breathing issues.
Vision and Hearing: It’s common for vision and hearing to decline with age, so these checks are essential for catching early signs of cataracts, glaucoma, or hearing loss.
A physical exam helps catch any potential health problems before they become serious. It’s also a great time to discuss any concerns you have, from aches and pains to changes in sleep or appetite. To ensure you’re able to follow through with doctor’s appointments, Caringene offers in-home care services that include transportation to medical visits, assistance with scheduling, and medication reminders. Learn more about our services on our About Us page.
2. Blood Pressure Check
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common health issues facing seniors and can lead to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems if left unchecked. It’s important to monitor blood pressure annually—or even more frequently if you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension.
Your doctor will likely check your blood pressure during your annual physical, but you can also monitor it at home. Home blood pressure monitors are affordable and easy to use, providing a convenient way to keep track of your health between doctor visits.
For seniors managing chronic conditions like hypertension, Caringene’s in-home caregivers can assist with regular check-ups and ensuring medication compliance, helping you maintain a healthy blood pressure year-round.
3. Cholesterol Screening
As you age, your cholesterol levels can change, increasing your risk for heart disease and stroke. An annual cholesterol screening measures your levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol), as well as triglycerides.
If your cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments or prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of cardiovascular issues.
At Caringene, we provide support for seniors who need assistance managing their diet or medication regimen. Our caregivers can help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, and ensuring you follow a heart-healthy diet to maintain optimal cholesterol levels. For more information, visit our pricing page.
4. Bone Density Test
As we age, our bones naturally lose density, which can lead to osteoporosis or increased risk of fractures. A bone density test, also known as a DEXA scan, measures the strength and density of your bones, helping to identify osteoporosis early so you can take preventive measures.
Seniors, particularly women, should consider getting a bone density test annually or as recommended by their healthcare provider. If diagnosed with low bone density, your doctor may suggest supplements or lifestyle changes to help strengthen your bones.
Our caregivers at Caringene can help seniors stay active and follow doctor-recommended exercise plans that promote bone health. Activities like walking, yoga, or strength training can be incorporated into daily routines to keep bones strong.
5. Vaccinations
Staying up-to-date with vaccinations is essential for seniors, as our immune systems weaken with age, making us more susceptible to illnesses like the flu and pneumonia. Here are some important vaccines to discuss with your healthcare provider:
Flu Vaccine: Seniors are at higher risk for complications from the flu, so an annual flu shot is recommended.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: Protects against pneumonia, which can be life-threatening for seniors.
Shingles Vaccine: Shingles is a painful condition that can occur in older adults, and the vaccine significantly reduces the risk.
If you need assistance getting to your vaccination appointments or have concerns about scheduling them, Caringene can help with transportation and appointment coordination.
6. Blood Glucose Testing
Seniors are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which can lead to serious complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss. Annual blood glucose testing measures your blood sugar levels to ensure they’re within a healthy range.
If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, managing it properly is key to avoiding complications. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes like diet and exercise or prescribe medication to control your blood sugar levels. Caringene caregivers are trained to support seniors in managing their diabetes, from meal planning to monitoring blood sugar levels at home.
7. Cognitive Health Assessment
As we age, it’s important to monitor cognitive health to detect early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. During an annual wellness check, your doctor may conduct simple cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, language skills, and problem-solving abilities.
While there is no cure for dementia, early detection can help manage symptoms and slow progression through lifestyle changes and medical intervention. Caringene caregivers provide companionship and mental stimulation for seniors, which is vital in maintaining cognitive health.
8. Cancer Screenings
Certain cancers are more common in older adults, so regular screenings are a key part of senior healthcare. Depending on your age, gender, and family history, your doctor may recommend the following screenings:
Mammograms for breast cancer
Colonoscopy for colon cancer
Pap smears for cervical cancer
Prostate cancer screening
Discuss with your healthcare provider which cancer screenings are appropriate for you based on your risk factors. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
By staying proactive with these annual wellness checks, seniors can take control of their health and enjoy a better quality of life. Preventive care is the cornerstone of staying healthy as we age, and it’s never too late to start.
If you or a loved one needs support in maintaining a regular wellness routine, Caringene is here to help. Our in-home care services are designed to provide seniors with the assistance they need, from transportation to medical appointments to help with managing chronic conditions. To learn more, check out our About Us page or explore our affordable options on our pricing page.
Lastly, don’t forget to join our growing community on Facebook—Washington Senior Meet & Connect. It’s a great place for seniors to share tips, get support, and stay informed about upcoming events that promote health and wellness for Washington’s seniors!
