Five Tips to Keep Kidneys Healthy
Senior home care can help with lifestyle changes to support kidney health in aging seniors.
The primary purpose of the kidneys is to filter excess water and waste from the blood system out of the body through urine. They also help regulate levels of salt and other minerals in the blood, playing a vital role in overall health.
As people age, the risk of developing chronic kidney disease increases, making kidney health especially important for seniors. Senior home care can play a key role in supporting healthier lifestyle choices that protect kidney function, from managing blood pressure to maintaining a nutritious diet.
Many people may not realize they have chronic kidney disease at first, but there are symptoms you and your loved one and senior home care providers can watch for that might indicate the kidneys are not working as they should.
Kidney Disease Symptoms
- Blood pressure levels that are now consistently high, especially if your loved one didn’t have high blood pressure before. If your loved one has high blood pressure, look for levels that begin to consistently increase.
- Increased need to urinate more often, especially at night, possibly waking your loved one up multiple times a night
- A change in the way her urine looks or smells or the appearance of blood in the urine
- Pain in the area around the kidneys
- Consistent fatigue
- Swelling or puffiness (edema) in the legs and feet
- Itchy skin
- Bad breath and/or a metallic taste in the mouth
- Inability to concentrate or focus
Five Tips for Healthy Kidneys
#1 Properly Managing Health Conditions with Senior Home Care
One of the key steps to keeping kidneys healthy is managing any other health conditions your loved one may have with the help of senior home care providers. This can mean maintaining blood sugar levels controlled consistently. If high blood pressure is an issue, taking medications and proper care to keep blood pressure levels low is essential to protect the kidneys from further damage.
#2 Hydration
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Your loved one can also drink other non-caffeinated drinks to keep his kidneys working regularly. Some good options include cranberry juice, sparkling water, and green tea. He might need reminders to drink more liquids if he is active or the temperatures are warm.
#3 Eat Foods That Promote Better Health
Whether it’s a complete diet overall or simply swapping out some poor choices for better choices, help your loved one review his regular eating habits to see where he can change his diet to improve his kidney health. With the help of senior home care, he might consider reducing the amount of sodium in his diet, decreasing the intake of high-fat foods, especially trans fat, and increasing the consumption of foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries and cauliflower.
#4 Stay Active
Even if your loved one is fatigued due to kidney disease, encourage regular activity. Being active will increase his energy levels and strengthen his immune system.
#5 Stop Smoking
Smoking does tremendous damage to the kidneys by narrowing the blood vessels that bring blood to the kidneys, making them work harder to eliminate waste.
Supporting Your Loved One with Senior Home Care
If your loved one doesn’t live nearby enough for you to help with lifestyle changes or daily care, consider having a senior home care provider to help him with his needs. While a senior home care provider is not medically trained, they can help with steps toward better health, like eating better, getting regular exercise, and even monitoring his medication use.
Senior home care providers can be an important member of your loved one’s support team, helping him to remain healthy and independent even when managing a serious condition such as kidney disease.
If you or someone you know needs Senior Home Care in Foley, AL, please contact the friendly caregivers at Hughes Home Care. We provide quality and affordable care for your elderly loved ones in our community. Serving Mobile & Baldwin County. Call us today at (251) 517-9901
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