Is Your Senior at Risk for Restless Legs Syndrome?
Approximately 10% of people throughout the United States are currently living with a condition known as restless leg syndrome, or RLS. Around 2 to 3% of the adult population of the country has a moderate to severe case of this condition, and 5% are living with a more mild form. This condition, while not life-threatening, can be extremely uncomfortable for your aging parent, and have an impact on their health, well-being, and quality of life. Understanding the individual risk your senior has for this condition can help you to be more vigilant about their symptoms to better detect if they may be dealing with this condition, and also better prepare you to care for a senior living with this condition.
Elder Care in Irvine CA: Restless Legs Syndrome
Some of the risk factors associated with restless leg syndrome include:
- Those who have family history of RLS are more likely to develop the condition. This is particularly applicable if members of the family developed the condition prior to the age of 40.
- Being female, as women are twice as likely to develop RLS as men.
- Personal history of peripheral neuropathy, which generally occurs with diabetes or alcoholism.
- Iron deficiency.
- Personal history of kidney failure.
- Conditions impacting the spinal cord.
- Taking certain types of medications.
Whether or not your aging parent has any of these risk factors, if they are complaining of difficulty sleeping, or new sensations in their legs that are uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to get in touch with their doctor. Explaining their symptoms to a medical professional and getting a thorough examination can help your parent get an accurate diagnosis, and start on a course of management that is right for them.
As a family caregiver, you may feel intimidated or even overwhelmed when your parent is dealing with a health challenge or difficulty. You know they need care and support to help them cope with the symptoms they experience, as well as assistance with other needs in their life. You may not feel fully prepared to handle these needs, however, or may feel that your parent would benefit from more diversified care. If this is the case, elder care may be the ideal solution. An elderly home care services provider can be with your parent on a customized schedule that ensures continued access to the care that is right for them, while also keeping you in control of their care routine. The personalized care of this care provider works with the care efforts you already give to support your parents in enjoying more health, safety, independence, and fulfillment throughout their later years.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering elder care in Irvine, CA, please contact the caring staff at Easy Living Home Care today. Providing Non-Medical Home Care Services in Orange County, CA since 2009. Call for Assistance: (949) 282-5017 or (949) 842-6831
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/brain/restless-legs-syndrome/restless-legs-syndrome-rls
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377168
At a very young age it was always Ms. LaPorte’s passion to work with the elderly. She was a caregiver at a nursing home in high school and college and volunteered in senior centers and senior events held by the city in which she grew up. After graduation, Ms. LaPorte became a special education teacher for sixteen years.
She put her teaching career on the sidelines to raise two wonderful children, during which her passion for the elderly inspired her to start Easy Living Home Care in 2009. Ms. Laporte wanted to help people, especially seniors, find competent, qualified, and caring in-home care at reasonable rates.
Ms LaPorte takes an active role in conducting and managing all operations of her business. She is patient, compassionate and listens. Ms. Laporte is always available to her clients and staff.
In her spare time, Lori volunteers for the American Red Cross and Leashes of Love canine rescue organization.
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