The elderly, who are often considered one of the most vulnerable members of society, are susceptible to a variety of diseases such as heart failure and other circulatory disorders. In addition to these health-related issues, balance issues are also very common in this age group.
Balance issues pose a problem for elderly patients because they may result in, among other things, falls. Falls can lead to a number of different injuries that prop up the mortality rate in geriatric patients. As a result, there is an increased need to detect and identify balance-related problems in elderly people.
This article aims to examine the causes of balance issues in elderly people, their symptoms, and their management.
Causes of Balance Issues In Senior
Seniors may experience balance issues for a number of reasons. Learning the causes of balance issues in seniors will help you determine what course of action should be taken. Common causes are listed below:
1. Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is a medical condition in which the inner ear is inflamed. An infection is the most common cause, but other factors can also trigger it, such as allergies, colds, and flu. The Disease can impair your loved one’s sense of balance, resulting in dizziness and nausea.
2. Vision Problems
Elderly people often experience vision problems, and as a result, they may lose their sense of balance.
Some of the vision-related problems that affect balance in seniors include:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Lens dislocation
- Visual hallucinations
- Floaters and flashes of light
In addition to these conditions, other vision problems such as the development of abnormal blood vessels in the eyes may also be a primary factor in causing balance issues in elderly. This condition is referred to as Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) and occurs when there is an obstruction of blood flow within the eye’s retina. Vision impairment can also lead to balance troubles because it could affect how older people walk and make them more prone to tripping on obstacles.
In many cases, people will need glasses to improve their eyesight and alleviate the signs of balance issues.
3. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is a condition that causes dizziness when an individual moves their head in a certain position (typically when they are lying on their side). It is an inner ear disturbance with many causes; this includes an ear infection, a head injury, and aging.
4. Migraine
Migraine is a condition that is characterized by severe headaches. This condition can affect how people move, and because of this, it may also result in balance issues. The causes of migraine include stress, changes in the weather, certain foods, and more.
5. Medication Side Effects
As your loved one ages, he may experience a lot of health conditions that need a lot of medicine to manage. While these medications can greatly improve your loved one’s health, some can also cause problems. Some of the medicines that may cause balance issues include:
- anti-seizure medicine,
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
- antidepressants and medicines for Parkinson’s Disease.
You should always ask your loved ones’ physician about any medication they are taking.
6. Meniere’s Disease
It refers to a condition in which the inner ear is damaged and significantly affects those who have it. The progression of this disease is very slow, but it could severely limit an individual’s ability to walk and perform everyday tasks. Meniere’s Disease is an inner ear disorder due to pressure on a patient’s nerve by fluid within their head (caused by ear wax).
7. Chronic Conditions
Your elderly loved one is more susceptible to illnesses and other chronic conditions. These conditions greatly affect your loved one’s balance resulting from falling.
Long-term conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis can cause balance issues. Prolonged treatment with drugs such as blood pressure meds, statins, and others may also have profound effects on balance for seniors.
8. Age-Related Hearing Loss
It is also known as presbycusis. When your loved one ages, there will be an increase in their hearing loss. This can greatly affect their balance and walking ability.
These conditions may affect a person’s balance. As their primary caregiver, it is important to keep in touch with your loved ones and encourage them to visit a doctor when you notice there is something wrong.
Signs Of Balance Issues in Elderly
Seniors with balance issues may stumble when they walk, appear unsteady and experience dizziness. They may also complain of the symptoms in their ears. In addition to these signs, there are some other signs that are harder to recognize. These symptoms may include:
- Slow Reaction Time
- Stooped Posture
- Grasping For Supports
- Falling To The Side When Walking
- The sensation of falling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss Of Balance When There Are Changes In Ambient Light
- Vertigo Or Dizziness
- Fear, anxiety, or panic
- Numbness In The Feet Or Fingers
These common symptoms can be temporary or permanent. When left untreated, it may cause depression in seniors. So, these conditions must be evaluated by a medical professional.
How To Identify Balance Issues In Elderly?
It is important to communicate with your loved ones and ask them about the health issues they may be having. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should encourage them to see their physician to get a formal diagnosis.
In addition to scheduling a visit with the doctor, it is important for you to set up an assessment for your loved one. These assessments include looking at their eyesight and hearing capabilities in order to evaluate their balance and risk factors. These assessments can also help determine if they are suffering from a condition that can worsen as time passes.
How To Help Seniors With Balance Issues?
When your loved one suffers from balance issues, you can help them by encouraging them to visit their doctor so that they can get a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. In addition to this, you may also want to reduce their risk for balance problems. Some of the things you should do include:
1. Make Sure That Your Loved One Is Getting Enough Exercise
Exercise is an excellent way for seniors with balance issues to improve their overall health. It will help improve their strength, coordination, and mental health.
Balance exercises that you can do with your parents include:
- Standing on one leg
- Tai Chi
- Yoga with an assistant
- Stretching
- Walking heel-to-toe
Of course, never let your loved one do these exercises alone. You should accompany them in case they have a fall. However, if you are busy, it’s best to ask someone to accompany them in their routine. If there is no one to call on, availing of a service from a Home Care Agency is a good idea. Wellness Home Care can provide your loved ones with a companion who will help them in their daily routines and mobility.
2. Encourage Your Loved One To Try Assistive Devices
An assistive device is a device used by senior people to help them perform tasks that they are unable to do by themselves. A variety of assistive devices are available in the market today. Some include Handrails and Mobility Scooters. Although these devices may be expensive, they can greatly improve your elderly loved one’s ability to perform daily tasks.
When you purchase an assistive device for your loved one, research the cost of the product and ensure you know what exactly it will provide your loved one before buying it.
3. Support A Healthy Lifestyle
It is vital to encourage your senior loved one to become a healthy person. Senior people who have a healthy lifestyle are less likely to have balance issues than those who do not.
The things you can do include:
- Reaching out for support
- Eating healthy and fresh food
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
- Avoiding alcohol
You should also encourage them by trying to keep their weight as normal as possible. Make sure your loved one drinks enough water as well. You should also encourage your parent to take their medications if they need them.
4. Address Health Problems That Cause Balance Issues In Elderly
Some common health disorders cause balance issues in older adults. These include:
- Dementia In Seniors
- Hearing loss
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Diabetes and Blood Pressure Issues
It is vital to talk to your loved ones about their health and encourage them to speak about it. You should also encourage your parent to seek medical help if they ever experience symptoms related to balance issues. It is the first step toward managing balance issues and improving your loved one’s wellbeing.
5. Remove Any Obstacles In Your Home
When your loved one is experiencing balance issues while at home, you should remove any obstacles that can cause them to fall, examples of obstacles include slippery floors.
Check your loved ones’ homes for any of their belongings that may have fallen to the ground and could cause them to trip. Also, ensure that you clear the area if there are items that are not in use.
6. Consider A Home Care Agency To Monitor Your Loved One
If your senior loved one is experiencing balance issues, it is important to consider having a home care agency to help them with their daily activities. A home care agency can be of great help by monitoring the health of your loved ones and ensuring that they are safe at all times.
One example of a home care agency is Wellness Home Care Service in Newington, CT. They provide seniors with assistance with daily activities, including mobility and meal preparation. This is a great way for seniors to receive help without having to be on their own.
Conclusion
When you notice your loved one’s balance is off and experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, it is essential that you seek help from a medical professional and reduce their risk factors. This will go a long way in ensuring that they manage their health properly. If you have any other questions about the article, please feel free to get in touch with us at ohene@comcast.net or (860) 667-2273.
