Which Health Screenings Do Seniors in Assisted Living Need?
Managing senior health is essential to longevity and comfort. Older adults who see their doctor regularly are more likely to catch problems before they become difficult to treat. These visits also make it easier to keep up with prescriptions and preexisting medical conditions.
Everyone over the age of 65 should be visiting their primary care physician at least once per year – even if they feel fine. Healthy people also need to monitor their wellness. Symptoms can appear as minor issues that are easily overlooked.
A developing medical problem may show no symptoms at all at first. That’s why seniors need the support of a medical professional to keep them strong and healthy.
Assisted living can help aging adults manage their daily care needs, but it doesn’t override the need for wellness visits. Residents still need to schedule their annual doctor visits and all recommended health screenings.
Seniors stay healthy in assisted living with the help of their medical team.
How to Know Which Senior Health Screenings You Need
Knowing which senior health screenings you need starts with the advice of your doctor. There are basic tests that are common for everyone. Additional screenings may be required due to pre-existing conditions and increased risk of disease or injury.
The following list is a good start. You should also consult your primary care provider for a complete list tailored to your health needs.
Mammogram
Women should begin scheduling mammograms at age 40. The U.S. Preventative Services Taskforce recommends screenings every other year until age 74 for women who do not have an elevated breast cancer risk. Women over age 74 may be advised to continue once every two years while those over 75 may reduce it to once every two to three years.
Screening mammograms can save lives. They detect the presence of cancer before any symptoms appear. Women with a family or personal history of breast cancer or those who have had breast problems in the past should talk to their doctor about the ideal schedule for this screening.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Men ages 55 to 69 should talk to their doctor about whether a prostate cancer screening would be beneficial to them. This is done using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Most experts recommend stopping PSA tests after age 70 or after developing a life-limiting medical condition.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer almost always starts as precancerous polyps in the rectum or colon. These abnormal growths may cause no issues, making it impossible to know if you have any without a screening.
Adults ages 45 to 75 are advised to undergo colorectal cancer screenings. These may become optional over age 75 for people who do not have an increased risk of this type of cancer. Factors that elevate risk include Crohn’s disease, family history, Lynch syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis.
Blood Test
Blood tests give us a closer look at what’s happening inside our bodies. They can reveal signs of infection, bleeding or clotting diseases, and diabetes. They also track organ function and can show us how well a medication works.
The blood test is one of the most basic screenings you can get to track general health. Senior citizens in assisted living should schedule at least one blood test per year unless otherwise advised by a doctor. Blood tests are also often prescribed when there are medical issues or before surgeries.
Blood Pressure Check
According to the American Heart Association, adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once annually. Chances are you will have your blood pressure checked more often if you visit doctors multiple times per year.
Blood pressure checks can reveal signs of hypertension and heart disease. Seniors with these health conditions may be advised to check once per month.
Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis prevention for seniors in assisted living starts with screenings. Adults over age 65 should schedule bone density tests. These measure bone strength and can indicate the risk for potential fractures.
A central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is used for this screening. During the process, x-rays with different energy levels are passed through the bone, usually the hip and spine. The image shows bone thickness. It can also be used to see if osteoporosis treatment is working for patients who already have the disease.
Eye Exam
Seniors over age 60 should schedule annual eye exams. An exam will include checks for diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Your eye doctor can also check for diabetic retinopathy, which is the leading cause of blindness in the United States.
Catching these conditions early can save your eyesight.
Hearing Test
Hearing loss is a normal part of aging. One in three adults aged 65 and older have some amount of hearing loss. This change can be gradual, making it hard to notice at first. Regular hearing tests will identify changes and help doctors find a solution.
There are three main categories of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear, often caused by abnormal fluid or ear wax. It may be corrected through treatment or surgery.
Sensorineural hearing loss happens when the auditory nerve or inner ear is damaged. This type is often permanent but can be managed with a hearing aid.
Mixed hearing loss indicates both types are present.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends a hearing test at least once every three years for adults over age 50.
Skin Exam
A dermatologist can perform a skin exam to look for cancer and other conditions. Adults are advised to have a full-body check once per year.
Older adults have an increased risk of skin cancer. Seniors may also experience age-related changes that make them more susceptible to skin damage. This risk is increased if patients have a family history of skin cancer or a history of tanning.
Adults are also advised to perform an at-home self-exam once per month. This can be done in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room. Contact a dermatologist if you notice any changes.
Dental Cleaning and Exam
Everyone should go to their dentist for cleanings and an exam twice a year. The ideal schedule will vary based on several factors, including diet, lifestyle, oral cancer history, and existing dental conditions.
Regular dental cleanings will protect oral hygiene. It also gives your dentist a chance to look for signs of oral cancer.
Seniors who have dentures still need to see a dentist. A dentist can assess oral health, professionally clean dentures, and make sure the dentures fit properly.
Assisted Living Supports Senior Wellness
Arizona assisted living services are about more than housing and daily meals. It’s also about wellness. Good health keeps seniors comfortable, happy, and able to enjoy all that life has to offer.
Many facilities help coordinate care by scheduling doctor appointments and arranging transportation to hospitals and care providers. Find out how assisted living can make managing senior health easier.
