As people age, their bodies change in different ways, and so do their healthcare needs. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) health is an area of care for seniors that is often forgotten. Otolaryngologists, who are also called ENT doctors, are very important to the general health of seniors. In this blog post, we’ll talk about how an otolaryngologist can make a big difference in the lives of older people and how loved ones can utilize senior home care services to ensure seniors get the help they need.
What Is Otolaryngology?
Otolaryngology is a branch of medicine that focuses on problems with the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck and how to diagnose and treat them. Otolaryngologists are doctors with a lot of training who can help with a wide range of health problems in the ears, nose, and throat.
Consider the following ways they can help seniors:
Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids: Seniors often have trouble hearing, which can have a big effect on their quality of life. Otolaryngologists are experts at figuring out why someone is losing their hearing, whether it’s because of aging, an ear infection, or something else. They can also suggest and fit seniors with hearing aids that are suited to their needs. This makes sure that seniors can still have conversations and enjoy socializing.
Balance and Vertigo Problems: Older people are more likely to have problems with their balance and vertigo, which can lead to falls and accidents. Otolaryngologists can diagnose and treat conditions that cause dizziness, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or problems with the inner ear. By taking care of these problems, otolaryngologists help seniors stay independent and lower the chance that they will fall. They can also provide tips for seniors with home care assistance to follow for safety.
Swallowing and Voice Problems: The muscles in the throat can change with age, which can make it hard to swallow and change how someone’s voice sounds. Otolaryngologists can identify and treat problems like dysphagia and voice disorders, which can make it easier for seniors to eat and talk. They can also give seniors food options they can make with senior home care.
Sleep Apnea: Seniors often have trouble sleeping because of sleep apnea, which can cause major health problems, like an increased risk of heart disease. Otolaryngologists can help seniors sleep better and feel better generally by giving them treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
Allergies and Sinus Problems: Seniors may have allergies or sinus problems that last for a long time and make it hard for them to breathe or feel comfortable overall. Otolaryngologists can help relieve these problems and improve the quality of life for seniors by prescribing medications or performing sinus surgery.
Head and Neck Cancer Screening: Regular visits to an otolaryngologist can help find these cancers early when they are easiest to treat. Otolaryngologists can take tests, suggest the best treatments, and give cancer patients ongoing care.
Otolaryngologists are important healthcare workers who make a big difference in the lives of older people. By taking care of a wide range of ear, nose, and throat problems, they help older people improve their functioning in many ways. With the support of these specially trained professionals, the home care team, and loved ones, seniors enjoy each day in a healthier way.
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9466320/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care Services in Elizabeth NJ, please get in touch with the caring staff at Helping Hands Homecare today. Call (908) 418-4299
Helping Hands Homecare provides Senior Home Care Services throughout Northern and Central New Jersey, including Clark, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Linden, Summit, Edison, Elizabeth, Mountainside, Short Hills, Millburn, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Kenilworth, Summit, Chatham, Madison, Metuchen and surrounding areas.
After graduating from Seton Hall University with a BS in finance Helping Hands Homecare’s Owner / President, Robert D’Arienzo, went to work on Wall St. for six years. However, after Robert’s grandmother became ill with stomach cancer Robert and his family needed to find assistance in the home for her. After many trials and tribulations Robert could see that there was a great need for quality home care services here in NJ and loved the idea of being able to assist other families who were going through what his family went through with his beloved grandmother.
Thus, Robert had found his passion. After almost a year of preparation Robert opened Helping Hands Homecare in 2003. Robert wanted Helping Hands Homecare to focus on providing the highest quality of caregivers, exceptional customer service, and providing a service that familys could depend on in their time of need. Since then Helping Hands has assisted hundreds of individuals with the simplest of needs to more complex cases while preserving those standards set out many years ago.
Robert is a Google Verified Author
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