Do you keep getting completely different blood pressure readings on your elderly loved one? If so, that isn’t good. However, there are some tips that can help you to get a proper blood pressure reading. The more accurate the readings are, the better you can assess your elderly loved one’s general blood pressure. If it is too high or low regularly, you or a senior home care provider can schedule a doctor’s appointment to have it checked out.
Take Readings at the Same Time Every Day
One of the best ways to get a proper blood pressure reading on your elderly loved one is to take readings at the same time every day. Everyone’s blood pressure varies throughout the day. For example, your blood pressure isn’t going to be the same in the morning as it is in the afternoon. You have been up and doing things which can raise your blood pressure.
If you can’t always be at your elderly loved one’s house to take their blood pressure at the same time every day, you can hire home care providers to do this.
Take a Couple Readings Each Time
Do you want to get the most accurate reading? If so, it is best to take a couple of readings every time you check it. The readings should be done 1 minute apart from each other. For example, if you are going to take 2 readings every time, have your elderly loved one sit down and take the first one. Then, wait 1 minute and do the 2nd one. You will take the average of the readings. It is even better to take 3 readings.
If you don’t usually have the time to take that many blood pressure readings every time it needs to be done, don’t worry. Senior home care providers can do it for your elderly loved one.
Proper Sitting Style
The way that your elderly loved one sits does impact the blood pressure reading. Your elderly loved one needs to do the following:
- Put their back straight against a chair
- Put their feet flat onto the floor
- Don’t cross their legs as that can cause issues with the reading
- Put their arm flat onto a table or something else at their heart level
Doing this will help to ensure the most accurate blood pressure readings. It is also important to ensure the middle part on the cuff is directly over the brachial artery.
Conclusion
These are some of the best tips to take a proper blood pressure reading for your elderly loved one. If you need assistance with checking your loved one’s blood pressure regularly, don’t hesitate to hire senior home care providers to do it. If you have any concerns about your elderly loved one’s blood pressure readings, be sure to talk to their doctor about it.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Home Care in Miami Beach, FL please contact the caring staff at Specialized Nursing Services today. (305) 652-2799
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/measure.htm