The Importance of Regular Health Screenings for Seniors

It is no secret that our health needs change as we age. It is inescapable. This is why regular health screenings are an important part of senior healthcare.

Health screenings allow medical professionals an opportunity to detect changing conditions and diseases early, allowing a preventative treatment plan rather than a reactive one. Why is this important in elderly healthcare? Because it will often lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

At Old Alresford Care Home, we ensure our long-term care residents receive regular medical checks, including relevant screenings. This enables us to keep the bespoke care plan for your loved one reflective of their care needs so they can continue to thrive with us.

In this blog, we discuss why we believe regular health screenings for our residents are so important.  

Why Health Screenings are Crucial for Seniors

Screenings are more than a preventative measure; they work alongside other medical methods to maintain good health.

Screenings often detect conditions such as:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Cancer

When these are detected early, there are more effective treatments available. In some cases, the difference of early detection and treatment could be lifesaving.

Additionally, these screenings are an opportunity for medical professionals to advise your loved one on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while managing any conditions.

Key Health Screenings for Seniors

There are a few health screenings that are particularly important for your elderly loved one.

1. Blood Pressure Checks: If your loved one has high blood pressure, they are at risk of heart disease or strokes. By regularly monitoring their blood pressure, you can manage this risk.
2. Cholesterol Levels: High cholesterol can lead to heart problems, so it is recommended to get this checked at least once a year so it can be effectively managed and risks reduced.
3. Cancer Screenings: Cancer screenings are important as they enable early detection, which will often provide more treatment options and a better prognosis.
4. Bone Density Test: These tests assess the risk of osteoporosis, especially in women.
5. Diabetes Screening: Discovering diabetes early is often key to managing it and preventing complications.
6. Vision and Hearing Tests: Vision and hearing are both important to the elderly as they are two senses that enable independence. This is why it is essential to have them regularly checked.
7. Cognitive Health Assessments: These monitor signs of all types of dementia and keep an eye on mental capacity. These are important as they enable loved ones to put Wills and Powers of Attorney in place before it is too late.

It is important to follow the screening process and understand that these tests have various frequencies. It won't be enough to do them all at the least frequent amount of time. When some say they should be done each year, they should be done each year as this provides the best treatment and management of any conditions.

Barriers to Regular Screenings and How to Overcome Them

Of course, attending these regular screenings isn't always that simple. There are a number of common issues that act as a barrier to your loved one getting these screenings.

Barriers often include:

• Mobility issues
• Lack of awareness
• Fear of discovering a health problem
• Lack of confidence to go on their own  

In order to overcome these barriers, you need to have an open and frank conversation with your loved one and other members of your family because often they will need support.

Solutions can include:

• Logistical solutions from family members – driving them to appointments
• Education on the importance of screenings
• Addressing fears and talking through them with healthcare professionals

The Role of Caregivers and Family Members

Caregivers and family members are vital in helping your loved one attend the relevant screenings at the right time.  

Your loved one is likely to rely on you to schedule appointments, provide transportation and offer emotional support.

In helping with these elements, you are likely to significantly increase the chance of your loved one attending their screening appointments and improve their health and quality of life.

Health Screenings And Old Alresford Care Home

Health screenings are incredibly important for your elderly loved one and our residents because they help detect diseases and health conditions earlier, providing more treatment options and better management, which can lead to an improved quality of life. Not to mention, they help your loved one live longer.

However, assistance is often required by caregivers and family members.  

At Old Alresford, each type of screening is part of your loved one's care plan. This allows us to make sure we are on top of each screening and that your loved one receives them at the required intervals.

We use the screenings and their results to review the care plans in place and amend them to reflect their conditions, be it a temporary course of antibiotics or something longer-term.

Our staff will make sure you, as a family, will be kept informed about any screenings coming up, the results, and changes made to the care plans. We will work with you to schedule the appointment and arrange to get your loved one there and back to our home comfortably.

Contact us to discuss how we support your loved one in getting the health screenings they need and amending their care plans. Call us on 01962 734121 or complete our contact form.