Essential Facts about Traumatic Brain Injuries in Seniors

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People who are in their senior years are at the greatest risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can leave them facing long-lasting challenges with memory and thinking capabilities. Severe or multiple TBIs have also been linked to the development of dementia. For this reason, it’s important for seniors and their families to be aware of the common causes and signs of TBI so long-term effects can be prevented. 

Risk Factors for a TBI 

A TBI can occur anytime a person receives a direct blow to the head that injures the brain. Falls are the most common cause of TBIs among elderly people. Car accidents, sports-related injuries, and falling objects are other potential causes. Many of these risk factors can be reduced by taking preventative measures such as using mobility aids and wearing seat belts. 

Aging in place safely can be challenging for some older adults. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Ambience respite care experts from Ambience In-Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities. 

Common Symptoms 

After a TBI, a person may experience one or several symptoms that can range from mild to severe depending on the injury. In some instances, a person may even lose consciousness for several minutes or more. Other symptoms of TBI include: 

  • Dizziness 
  • Headache 
  • Memory loss 
  • Confusion 
  • Double vision 
  • Sleepiness 
  • Mood changes 

Seniors with head injuries often need assistance with everyday activities while they recover. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Ambience In-Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Treatment Options 

After a TBI has been diagnosed through either clinical observation or brain imaging, a physician will decide on the appropriate course of treatment. For mild cases of TBI, rest and a follow-up exam may be all that’s necessary. However, the majority of seniors with TBIs are hospitalized for a short period and require therapy to treat the long-term side effects. 

Potential Outcomes 

Those who have experienced mild TBIs can look forward to fast recoveries, but they still may need to be alert for continuing symptoms such as memory loss or difficulty with speech. People who have experienced multiple TBIs, such as former football players or veterans, may go on to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms. 

If your loved one has experienced a head injury, having a trained professional caregiver close by can provide you and your family with much-needed peace of mind. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. Ambience families can rely on Ambience In-Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (469) 573-4213.

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