Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, doesn’t produce and release enough hormones into the body. These hormones are essential for regulating many bodily functions. When the thyroid reduces or stops hormone production, it can cause the body to slow down, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Managing hypothyroidism often requires ongoing attention, and incorporating personal care at home services can play a crucial role in supporting overall well-being and maintaining a healthy routine.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can come on slowly, and many elderly people equate the symptoms created by hypothyroidism with simply getting older.
- Weight gain
- Feeling extremely fatigued
- Muscle weakness
- Brain fog (difficulty with concentration or struggling with memory)
- Skin and hair that become dry and coarse
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Feeling cold all the time
Risk Factors for Developing an Underactive Thyroid
Anyone can develop an underactive thyroid at any point in life, but it is more common in the elderly. It often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms can mimic the natural aging process. Ensuring proper personal care at home services can help monitor and manage the condition.
Some additional factors that may increase your loved one’s risk of having an underactive thyroid include:
- Being female
- Having an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s Disease, type 1 diabetes, or celiac disease
- Having a family history of thyroid disease
- Having received radiation on the neck or upper chest for another condition
Complications from Hypothyroidism
Since the thyroid’s hormones regulate so many aspects of the body, improper functioning can lead to various health conditions that may require additional personal care at home services.
- Heart problems: Hypothyroidism can increase the risk of heart disease and heart failure. An underactive thyroid may lead to increased levels of bad cholesterol.
- A goiter: Hypothyroidism may cause the thyroid gland to increase in size, called a goiter. A large goiter can create problems with swallowing or breathing.
- Peripheral neuropathy: Hypothyroidism can damage the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerves deliver information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms and legs.
Getting Help During Treatment
Luckily, for most people, treatment of an underactive thyroid is an easy process that requires a person to start taking synthetic hormones to bring their hormone levels back to where they should be and allow their body to begin functioning normally again.
Doctors will often slowly increase the amount of medication until those normal levels are reached, which can mean your loved one will continue to feel the effects of an underactive thyroid for a little while during this time. She might still struggle with the extreme fatigue and muscle weakness that make keeping her home and herself in good condition. A personal care at home professional can help her through this treatment process.
A personal care at home caregiver will step in and assist with chores and tasks that your loved one may feel too tired or weak to do right now. Personal care at home professionals can help her with chores around the home, like laundry or cleaning, as well as help her create healthy meals.
If your loved one is struggling with brain fog and is uncomfortable with driving, a personal care at home provider can also help with transportation until your loved one is feeling up to driving again.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Bonita, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar/Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego and surrounding areas.
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