Having sufficient nutrients in the body is a general goal for
everyone. It doesn’t necessarily take great effort to achieve this goal.
If you simply follow a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, you should
be healthy. However, taking medication, genetics, and age can cause you
to become vitamin or mineral deficient. Potassium is one such mineral
that the elderly or those individuals who care for them should be aware.
Potassium is a mineral that, in combination with sodium and calcium,
maintains normal heart rhythm, regulates the body’s water balance, and
is responsible for the conduction of nerve impulses and the contraction
of muscles. The body of an average-sized person contains about 5 ounces
(140 g) of potassium. Blood levels of the mineral are controlled by the
kidneys, which eliminate any excess in the urine.
Potassium deficiency is rare because almost all foods contain potassium.
The best sources of potassium include lean meat, whole grains, green
leafy vegetables, beans, and many fruits (especially bananas and
oranges). A diet that includes these foods is sufficient for obtaining
adequate amounts of potassium.
Since potassium sources are so abundant, for most people potassium
deficiency is not a concern. The elderly, however, are at a greater risk
for potassium deficiency. The main reason the elderly should be
concerned about sufficient deficiency is because their kidneys and other
organs tend not to function as well. This results in the system not
being able to absorb and regulate the amount of potassium in the body.
In addition, medications prescribed for the treatment of high blood
pressure are less effective with elderly. High blood pressure can lead
to serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. So,
the elderly who are prescribed blood pressure reducing medications with
little success may want to discuss potassium supplementation with their
doctor.
The main symptoms of potassium deficiency are irregular heart rate,
gastrointestinal problems, muscle weakness and abnormal skin sensations,
such as numbness. To detect potassium deficiency a doctor tests the
patient’s blood levels for the presence of potassium. If less than 5.6
grams of potassium are present the individual is determined to have a
potassium deficiency.
Progress is being made on the homefront for those caring for family
members suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Currently, about
two-thirds of Americans with those conditions are cared for at home.
It is also important that family caregivers seek outside help if they
feel they are becoming ill from the strain of caregiving as the disease
progresses. The strain can easily become intolerable for spouses trying
to cope all alone at home with an Alzheimer’s sufferer and they
themselves can have a physical or mental breakdown.
As the disease progresses it carries with it a tremendous burden, both
physically and psychologically on the family members-usually the
husband, wife or partner–who are doing the caregiving. That is why it is
vital that the family access community support systems, such as local
Alzheimer’s organizations, that can provide reassurance and support
groups.
There should be no shame or guilt in seeking respite care from a
professional home care agency. People who are not trained professionals
often find it a strain to be caregivers, and should not feel that this
makes them a bad or unloving partner or child. By turning to outside
resources, a family can delay having to place Alzheimer’s sufferers in a
long-term-care facility and, instead, keep them in the comfort of their
own home.
Interim HealthCare has formed a strategic partnership with the
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) to support AFA’s goals related
to dementia care professionals, including:
• Raise the level of professional care provided to individuals who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia;
• Support professionals as they support those in need by providing practical training;
• Set standards of excellence through the AFA qualification program;
• Offer networking and advocacy opportunities.
Interim HealthCare, a leader in the home healthcare industry, recognizes
the special needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and their
families. Creating an Alzheimer’s- and dementia-friendly and safe
environment is an important step in making it possible for people to
remain at home much longer and further into the disease.
