While most people are aware of the role of a physical therapist in the life of a senior person, it does not hold true when it comes to the role of a respiratory therapist, most people are unclear about the job of a respiratory therapist. Today we are going to raise awareness among senior people and their family members a little more about this important form of therapy. Respiratory therapists play a pivotal role in healthy aging which range from helping older adults coping with chronic illnesses like emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to assisting a senior person in recovering from pneumonia. We, at Anthem Senior Living know the importance of a physical activity in aging well and in maintaining healthy lungs in senior people and we ensure that through our wellness programs. Some of the options provided by us in order for senior people to stay healthy include Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, etc.
The senior health challenges that we work with are dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Bodies Dementia, high blood pressure, companionship care, wound care, bed bound patients, Feeding Tubes/Picc Lines, heart disease, cancer, Arthritis, respiratory diseases, diabetes, falls, depression, etc.
Respiratory Therapy– Respiratory therapists are basically a group of healthcare professionals who help out people of all ages with issues related to breathing such as Emphysema, COPD, Asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis, pneumonia, interstitial lung diseases, chest trauma, cystic fibrosis, cardiac disease, sleep apnea, etc. There are two levels of respiratory therapists:
• Registered Respiratory Therapist- A respiratory therapist, after successfully passing the written exam, are eligible to take a national voluntary clinical simulation examination that leads to the highest accreditation level, a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Registered Respiratory Therapist- A respiratory therapist, after successfully passing the written exam, are eligible to take a national voluntary clinical simulation examination that leads to the highest accreditation level, a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). • Certified Respiratory Therapist- CRTs complete either a two-year associate’s degree program or a four-year baccalaureate degree program at an accredited college. After graduation, a student is required to successfully pass a national written examination in order to earn their credentials.
Respiratory therapists work in a wide range of locations which include a hospital emergency room, assisting patients with life-saving breathing treatments after problems like asthma attack or automobile accident; a physician’s office where a respiratory therapist conduct test for evaluating a patient for pulmonary-related illnesses like asthma or pulmonary fibrosis; an operating room monitoring a patient’s breathing as they undergo surgical procedures, so on and so forth.
Older adults are more likely to live with chronic health conditions and the respiratory therapists mostly tend to them. Senior people with weaker immune systems are at higher risks for short-term illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Causes Of Respiratory Diseases:
In order to protect you and your loved one’s lungs, we are listing a few valuable suggestions from the American Lung Association which can prove to be highly beneficial for you:
• Quit smoking as smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory-related illnesses.
• Quit smoking as smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory-related illnesses.
• One also needs to avoid secondhand smoke, many senior people who have respiratory illnesses either live with or previously lived in a home with a smoker. Secondhand smoke is as deadly as smoking.
• Getting the flu shots every year and washing of the hands are the best ways to prevent developing infections.
• Try and avoid indoor and outdoor pollutant like strong chemicals in household cleaners or weed killer.
• Get your home checked for radon because according to the EPA, prolonged exposure to radon gas may cause lung cancer.
• Include some form of exercise in your daily routine which will improve your lung capacity. The exercise can range from swimming to running to just a mere walking for a few minutes.
Get in touch with the award-winning Anthem Senior Living in the Phoenix region in Arizona and book a suite for your loved one. Be rest assured that your parents or grandparents will be taken the best possible care of over here.
If you are in the search for a quality assisted living home or adult care home in Anthem Arizona, Anthem Senior Living may be among your favorites, see what others have said about our assisted living home.