Learn About Dizzy Spells in Elderly Adults

It had been about three weeks, and Elenia was growing more concerned about her father’s dizzy spells. Several times per day, her father would complain that the room was spinning or that he felt lightheaded. Often, he needed to sit down to catch his breath and had almost fainted a few times. The senior care provider who looked after Elenia’s father during the day reported similar complaints. With the increasing dizzy spells, Elenia made a doctor’s appointment for her father to get an evaluation.

While dizziness isn’t an uncommon feeling for most people, it is out of the ordinary to experience frequent dizzy spells over a period of time. Dizziness can result from some relatively benign causes, such as fatigue, too much alcohol or standing up too quickly. However, recurring dizzy episodes almost always indicate that something is not right. In elderly adults, dizzy spells can signal an illness or disease that can have serious health issues.

When Should Dizzy Spells in Seniors Be Seen as Normal?

Senior Care China Grove NC Dizzy Spells in Seniors

The truth is, there are some simple cause-and-effect situations that result in a dizzy feeling in aging adults. Usually the condition can be easily remedied and there isn’t a need for further action. Dizziness can be the result of insufficient food intake, resulting in low blood sugar, as well as dehydration. Starting a new medicine with side effects can also lead to lightheadedness.

Other common causes of dizziness include too much alcohol or caffeine, the common cold or food poisoning. Family caregivers and senior care providers can usually remedy the situation with the elderly adult in cases like this, getting them back to feeling better in a short time.

When Should Dizzy Spells in Seniors Be an Alarm?

Dizziness is a common symptom in more serious health issues, and if family caregivers are seeing their aging relative with dizzy spells more frequently than they should. Causes of dizziness can include migraines, heat stroke, vertigo, ear infections, malnutrition, chronic stress, anxiety, diabetes, a stroke or a heart attack. Seniors should see a doctor to identify the cause of the dizziness and begin treatments.

Helping Dizzy Seniors

If a family caregiver or senior care provider is with an aging adult who is experiencing a dizzy spell, they should act quickly to prevent harm or injury. Family caregivers should support the senior until they can sit down comfortably. If it’s outdoors, they should sit in a shady and cool area. Senior care providers can offer sips of water and keep the aging adults comfortable until the dizzy spell passes.

Family caregivers and senior care providers must give the aging adults plenty of time to rest before they stand up again, at least 10 to 15 minutes. Senior care providers should support the aging adult at the elbow to ensure they have their balance and are doing well. Dizzy spells can be no big deal or something serious, but generally that is for a doctor to figure out, so family caregivers should get their elderly loved one to a medical professional if they are experiencing dizziness.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care in China Grove, NC, please contact the caring staff at TenderHearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.