Sleep apnea is recurring shallow pauses in breathing during sleep. Anyone can have sleep apnea, but seniors are prone to it. Having sleep apnea can be scary for seniors because they can wake up gasping for breath if their airway is obstructed during sleep.
Seniors who live alone and have sleep apnea often have anxiety about going to sleep. They’re afraid of needing medical help in the middle of the night when they’re alone. If your senior mom or dad has sleep apnea, 24-hour home care might ease their anxiety and help them sleep at night.
If your mom or dad has 24-hour home care, someone will be there with them around the clock. Your senior parent will have companionship, help with chores, and someone who can get medical help if needed. Having 24-hour home care can also make you feel more secure.
Some facts about sleep apnea and seniors that you should know are:
Age Is A Risk Factor
The risk of developing sleep apnea increases with age. Up to 30% of older adults may have some form of sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common type.
When your senior parent has a medical checkup make sure that their doctor is screening for sleep apnea. If you suspect that your senior parent may have sleep apnea, their doctor can order a sleep study to find out. If your mom or dad does have sleep apnea, a CPAP machine may be prescribed to help them sleep at night.
Seniors Have Different Symptoms
Sleep apnea causes different symptoms in seniors than in other age groups. Loud snoring and daytime sleepiness are common symptoms of sleep apnea in seniors. Older adults may also report symptoms such as waking up at night, morning headaches, and cognitive impairment.
Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Be Dangerous
Untreated sleep apnea in seniors can lead to serious health consequences, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and an increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness. It can also make conditions like diabetes or Alzheimer’s worse.
It’s Underdiagnosed In Seniors
Sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed in seniors. Symptoms may be attributed to other age-related conditions, and seniors may be less likely to report symptoms of sleep disturbances or seek medical attention for sleep-related issues.
That’s why it’s important that you follow up with your senior parent’s doctor and make sure that they are screening for sleep apnea. You can request that the doctor refer your mom or dad to a sleep specialist if you think it’s necessary.
24-hour home care providers can also watch how your senior parent is sleeping to evaluate their need for sleep apnea treatment.
Treatment Can Be Challenging
Treating sleep apnea in seniors can be challenging. Factors like the health conditions of your senior parent, limited mobility, medications that affect sleep, and physical changes that affect the upper airway all impact the success of treatment.
Using a CPAP is often the first treatment that doctors recommend, but it’s not the only treatment available.
Lifestyle changes may also help, like using a humidifier at night and sleeping propped up a little so that your mom or dad’s airway is open throughout the night, which 24-hour home care can help with.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care in Gaithersburg, MD, please contact the caring staff at A+ Personal Home Care. Call (443) 660-8757, After Hours: (443) 796-5241
A+ Personal Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving the Baltimore and DC Metro Area, with offices in Pikesville and Gaithersburg.
At A+ Personal Home Care, our mission has always been to provide exceptional care, compassion, and a nurturing environment for our beloved community members. Over the years, we have strived to create a place where individuals can find solace, engage in meaningful activities, and receive the highest quality of medical attention.
A+ Personal Home Care is always striving to improve and exceed expectations. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our clients and their families, as your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our care programs. We want to ensure that we continue to meet your needs and remain a trusted pillar of support within our community.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the families who have placed their trust in us. Your support and loyalty inspire us to continue providing exceptional care every day. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of love, respect, and dignity, and we consider it an honor to serve you and your loved ones.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our dedicated team. We are here to listen, assist, and ensure that your experience at A+ Personal Home Care remains fulfilling and positive.
Thank you once again for choosing A+ Personal Home Care as your partner in care. We look forward to sharing many more moments of joy, growth, and healing with you and your loved ones in the days to come.
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