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There are 18.4 million elderly individuals living in the United States, and the chances of someone living to be 100 years old is now 1 in 87, versus the 1 in 400 chance in the 19th century. As the population ages, the prevalence of any number of illnesses and diseases from pneumonia and the flu, to chronic lung disease and blood infections, will continue to increase as well. It’s crucial for those employed – or looking to be employed – in senior care to understand common chronic illnesses and their warning signs, and to be prepared to manage them in an elderly patient.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is the fifth leading cause of death in elderly patients, and it often goes unrecognized. This illness is an abnormal inflammation in the lungs caused by bacteria or viruses. Additionally, liquid can build up in the tissues of the lungs and infection can spread throughout the body. For senior citizens with compromised immune systems, pneumonia can become life threatening quickly.

Because a cough or chest pain may not “raise a red flag” for some seniors, they may not report symptoms to their doctors. Some of the warning signs include:

• Coughing
• Quickened pulse
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Muscle Pain

In a hospital setting, seniors may be at an increased risk for developing pneumonia as they spend a majority of their time in bed. The simplest way to reduce a senior’s risk of pneumonia is to move him or her into a chair or encourage them to walk or move around. An upright position allows the lungs to expand more easily and coughing can actually help clear the lungs in this situation.

Though ACLS certification classes don’t necessarily teach the skills you need to manage pneumonia symptoms, they will equip you with the skills you need to provide emergency care should pneumonia lead to more life-threatening medical issues.

Diseases of the heart

The leading cause of death in the United States, according to the National Vital Statistics Report, is a heart attack or other disease of the heart. Half of all heart attack victims are over the age of 65. The potential for a heart attack or other heart disease is often seen over a number of episodes of myocardial ischemia (either shortness of breath or an actual heart attack).

As a caregiver for seniors, it’s important to have the proper certifications should an elderly patient experience a heart attack or cardiac arrest while in your care. BLS and ACLS certification classes can expertly prepare you in the event of an emergency. Receiving a certification in BLS or ACLS – or both – enables you to provide the necessary medical care should an elderly patient require CPR or the use of a defibrillator in a heart attack situation.

Another way to establish a strong base when seeking a career in the senior care industry is to earn a certificate in Gerontology. This certification program is offered by a number of different colleges, universities and community colleges around the country and is comparable to a minor in Gerontology. Each program is different, but it doesn’t take the same length of time as achieving a degree in Gerontology and it prepares and educates you as you make the career move to senior care.