Elderly men have unique needs that must be addressed by their doctors to keep them in good health. Help your aging loved one remember to bring the following topics up at his upcoming doctor appointment.
When Do I Need a Colonoscopy?
Typically, men need to begin colon cancer screenings around age 50, but some doctors are beginning to wait a little longer to recommend this test for men who don’t have other risk factors. Once a colonoscopy is done, most men won’t need another one for up to ten years, depending on their health. However, men who have had polyps found in the past may need to have more frequent screenings.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Rhode Island families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Should I Get a Skin Cancer Check?
Many elderly men spent long hours in the sun before the dangers were well known. While some seniors opt to have skin cancer exams performed annually, your loved one may need to have a suspicious lesion checked out sooner. Have the doctor explain how to do self-checks at home so your loved one knows the warning signs that indicate a need for further testing.
Do I Need Any New Vaccines?
Older adults often need booster shots for vaccines they received as children. A senior male may also need to get an annual flu shot or find out about new vaccines that can prevent common illnesses. Your loved one should keep the doctor up to date regarding changes in his lifestyle or health that could alter his vaccination schedule.
It can be challenging for family caregivers to manage their loved ones’ medical appointments and vaccination schedules. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Rhode Island family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
How Do I Take Care of My Prostate?
Prostate health becomes an increasingly important concern as men age. While elderly men often worry about prostate cancer, they can do things now to preserve their health, such as quitting smoking. If your loved one has a family history of prostate cancer, the doctor can recommend screenings to detect it early.
How Do I Check for Testicular Cancer?
Today, there’s a great deal of information available that urges women to conduct monthly breast exams at home. While this is excellent lifesaving information, the importance of testicular self-checks for men is often overlooked. If your loved one doesn’t currently perform self-checks at home, have his doctor show him how to do it correctly.
What an I Do to Boost My Health?
Senior men tend to know they should exercise and eat better, yet they may not be sure how to accomplish this goal. The doctor can provide suggestions for exercise and diet plans that are tailored to fit your loved one’s health and needs. For instance, your loved one may benefit from special stretches that ease the pain of arthritis. Alternatively, he may need the doctor to provide the facts about how to lower the risk of heart disease. Asking the right questions lets the doctor know your loved one is committed to enhancing his health so the doctor can continue to provide proper guidance.
Seniors who need transportation to medical appointments or help with adopting healthy lifestyle habits can benefit from the assistance of professional caregivers. When searching for reliable elderly home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (401) 284-0979 today.