Table of Contents
- What are Vital Signs
- Major Vital Signs
- Importance of Monitoring Vital Signs
- What are Good Vital Signs for the Elderly?
- Vital Signs Normal Range for the Elderly
- How to Take Care of Elderly Parents at Home
What are Vital Signs?
When we talk about “vital signs” in the medical world, think of them as the body’s dashboard indicators. Just like how your car has gauges to show speed, fuel level, and engine temperature, our bodies have vital signs to give us a quick snapshot of its overall health and function. Monitoring these vital signs is essential, especially for someone under medical care or who may have chronic health problems. They can alert us to potential health issues or let us know how the body is responding to specific medications or treatments. For caregivers like you, having a grasp on these signs can provide peace of mind and help in making informed decisions about your loved one’s care.
Remember, our bodies are constantly communicating with us, and vital signs are one of its primary languages. There are 5 major vital signs that we have as humans. They give a pretty accurate indication of how well or sick we are.
You’re probably familiar with 1 specific vital sign from your childhood. Your temperature. If your mom was anything like my mother, she probably made sure to check your temperature any time she suspected you “may be coming down with something”. Into the mouth with the thermometer and the obligatory “now don’t talk” until she was able to get an accurate reading. But, the body’s temperature is just one of several important readings of your body’s basic functions that we can use to track a care recipient’s overall health. And keeping track of a senior’s vitals is one of the steps to keeping them in their home.
Major Vital Signs
What are four vital signs that should be measured when assessing the elderly condition? Most people are familiar with the general vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, but there are a couple of others that most family members do initially think about. Keep reading as I go over all the vital signs that should be measured when assessing the elderly and any medical condition.
Body Temperature
Body temperature is a fundamental vital sign that gives us a snapshot of the body’s basic functions. It’s the measure of how hot or cold a person’s body is, with a normal range for adults usually between 97.8°F (36.5°C) to 99°F (37.2°C).
Monitoring body temperature is crucial, especially in the elderly, as it can be an early indicator of illness or infection. For instance, a fever (high body temperature) might suggest an ongoing fight against an infection, while hypothermia (low body temperature) could indicate exposure to cold or an underlying health problem.
Regularly checking an elderly person’s body temperature can help caregivers detect potential health issues early, allowing for timely medical intervention. Remember, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about maintaining the well-being of our loved ones.
Heart Rate (Pulse)
The heart rate, often referred to as pulse, is the number of times your heart beats per minute. A normal resting heart rate for adults is usually between 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Monitoring the heart rate is vital as it provides insight into the heart’s health and overall cardiovascular function. An unusually high or low heart rate could indicate a variety of conditions, from dehydration and stress to more serious issues like heart disease or arrhythmia.
In the elderly, the resting heart rate could be slightly higher than in younger individuals due to factors like decreased heart efficiency. Regularly tracking heart rate can help caregivers identify any unusual patterns or changes, enabling early detection and treatment of potential health issues. It’s not just about counting beats—it’s about ensuring the heart’s health and longevity.
Respiratory Rate
The respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute. For adults, a normal respiratory rate usually falls between 12 to 18 breaths per minute. This is easy to count by watching the rise and fall of the chest over 60 seconds. Or you could count the rise and fall over 15 seconds and then multiply by 4. This will give you a ball park estimate of how fast someone is breathing.
Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial as it provides a window into a person’s respiratory health and overall metabolic demand. An unusually high or low respiratory rate could indicate a variety of conditions, from anxiety and fever to more serious issues like lung disease or heart failure. If a respiration rate is high it generally means the body is needing more oxygen for some reason.
In the elderly, chronic conditions like COPD, heart failure, and lung cancer can affect how the lungs work to get oxygen into the bloodstream. Regularly tracking the respiratory rate can help caregivers identify any unusual patterns or changes, enabling early detection and treatment of potential health issues. It’s not just about counting breaths—it’s about ensuring the lungs’ health and efficiency. But remember, if a person is active or exercising, their pulse, blood pressure and respiration rate usually goes up. So make sure your measuring it when they are at rest.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the measurement of the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. When in good health, the arterial walls should be flexible and able to expand and also contract and so the pressure could rise but also fall as demonstrated by widely varying numbers.
In the past, the normal blood pressure reading for adults was considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. But, more recently, it seems that the advice is to keep it even lower than that. Generally anywhere between 100-120 for the upper number and 60-80 for the lower. The lower the pressure, the less stress on the cardiovascular system.
Monitoring blood pressure is essential as it provides insight into the health of the heart and the blood vessels. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and stroke, while low blood pressure, or hypotension, can cause dizziness and fainting.
In the elderly, blood pressure readings can vary due to factors like arterial stiffness and chronic conditions like diabetes. Regularly tracking blood pressure can help caregivers identify any unusual patterns or changes, enabling early detection and treatment of potential health issues. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about ensuring the heart’s health and the efficiency of the circulatory system.
I recommend using a blood pressure monitor that fits around the upper arm rather than using the wrist or a smart watch. This is because using the upper arm will give you a more accurate reading and remember, it’s the kind your doctor will be using also. Read this blog post for more about how to choose a home blood pressure monitor.
Oxygen Saturation
Oxygen saturation, usually abbreviated as “Sp02”, is a vital sign measurement that clinicians use to tell the percentage of hemoglobin (the part of the blood that carries oxygen from our lungs out to the body) in the blood that’s filled with oxygen. People have heard about it’s importance a lot more since having to deal with the COVID pandemic.
In simple terms, Sp02 gives us an idea of how effectively our lungs are getting oxygen out to our bloodstream so it can be used by the muscles, and the other organs and parts of our body. It’s a crucial metric, especially in settings like hospitals where patients might have respiratory issues. But, it’s also important to know about it in the home setting, where many elderly are dealing with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular issues
The measurement is usually taken using a pulse oximeter, a small device that clips onto a fingertip, toe, or earlobe. It shines light through the skin and, amazingly, measures the amount of light absorbed. This, in turn gives a reading of how oxygen-rich (or deficient) the blood is.
In healthy individuals, SpO2 levels typically range between 95% to 100%. Levels below 90%, in general, are considered low and can indicate a medical emergency, and/or the need for supplemental oxygen, as tissues in the body might not be receiving enough oxygen. However, certain health conditions or high altitudes can cause lower normal SpO2 levels.
So, the Sp02 levels provide you a snapshot of how well a person’s lungs and circulatory system are delivering oxygen to the rest of their body, making it a key vital sign to monitor in various medical situations.
Importance of Monitoring Vital Signs
So, if you’re a caregiver, routinely monitoring vital signs is a critical part of elderly care. These measurements provide an ongoing snapshot of an individual’s basic bodily functions and can serve as an early warning system, a “canary in the cave” if you will, and let you know if something untoward may be happening.
Keeping a written record of these vital signs in a journal (like the one shown) is equally important. This record allows caregivers to track changes over time, identify trends, and spot any sudden shifts that might indicate a health concern. For instance, a gradual increase in blood pressure might suggest a developing heart condition, while a sudden drop in body temperature could signal an infection. Keep in mind, you don’t have to purchase a “journal” per se. A simple note book works just as well.
Having this written record can also be invaluable during medical appointments. It provides healthcare providers with a comprehensive view of the individual’s health status over time, aiding in diagnosis and treatment decisions. Remember, it’s not just about keeping records—it’s about proactive care for our loved ones.
What are Good Vital Signs for the Elderly?
As we get older, the body goes through various changes. As a caregiver for someone who may be up in age, you might wonder what changes in vital signs occur in the elderly. This is important to know because what’s considered “good” vital signs for an elderly person can be a little (or a lot) different from what’s normal when you’re younger.
This is because older folks, over the years, won’t be in as good of condition as they were 10-20 years ago. Or, they may have developed chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, or, may have suffered more health challenges, like stroke or cancer. All of which may affect their vital sign numbers.
For example, the resting heart rate for an elderly person could be a little bit higher than it was when they were younger and more active. This is because the heart muscle may not pump as efficiently, and it may take a few more beats to circulate blood throughout the body. So, what is a normal pulse rate for elderly folks? Well, depending on their overall condition or diagnoses, a resting heart rate anywhere between 60 to 100 beats per minute is still generally considered normal. But keep in mind, a higher heart rate is an indication of how hard the heart is working and so, you don’t want it to be elevated all the time. Your blood pressure cuff can measure your heart rate or it can be measured, manually counting the heart beats at the wrist, or, with a pulse oximeter
Likewise, the blood pressure readings can also vary in elderly individuals. In most cases, the older we get, the more rigid and stiffer the walls of our arteries get and this tends to drive up the blood pressure. This can lead to higher blood pressure readings around the 140/90 mmHg. But, usually doctors can prescribe medication that keeps it lower. Most of the time anything above 100/60 is good. The doctors like to keep it around 120/80. It’s best to measure blood pressure at the upper arm rather than the wrist to get a more accurate reading.
Your body’s temperature, on the other hand, stays pretty stable throughout your lifetime. A normal body temperature for a senior citizen is usually between 97°F to 98.6°F (36.1°C to 37°C (for those outside the US). Naturally, this is measured with any of the multiple types of thermometers on the market these days.
The respiratory rate is also an important vital sign to keep track of with the elderly. This is basically how fast you’re breathing. It, like your heart rate, is an indication of how hard a person is working and how much oxygen your body needs, at any given time. Many chronic conditions like COPD, heart failure, and lung cancer, can affect how the lungs work to get oxygen into the blood stream. A resting respiratory rate between 12 to 20 breaths per minute is still generally considered normal. You measure the respiration rate by visibly counter the number of breaths per minute.
Oxygen saturation is also an important “vital sign” in the elderly. As noted before, this is the amount of oxygen, measured in a percentage, that your body has available to use. It’s important because it’s likely that the elderly deal with more chronic conditions like COPD or Heart Failure more than the younger folks. Also, if an elder’s breathing is compromised by some disease or condition, the Sp02 can drop when they are lying down, or when they are exerting themselves during an activity. It’s a good thing to know what may or may not cause the Sp02 to drop. This way you know what activities to avoid or when supplemental oxygen may be needed. Again, you can measure the amount of oxygen in the blood stream with something called a pulse oximeter like this one.
It’s important to keep in mind that these “good” vital signs are not absolute and can vary based on an individual’s overall health status. Healthcare providers may also consider other factors such as medications, chronic illnesses, and lifestyle habits when interpreting vital signs. If you have concerns about your own vital signs or the vital signs of an elderly loved one, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.
Vital Signs Normal Range for the Elderly
| Blood Pressure | 110-140/60-80 mmHg |
| Heart Rate/Pulse | 60-100 beats per minute |
| Oxygen Saturation | 90-100 % |
| Temperature | 97-99 degrees F |
| Respiration Rate | 12-20 breaths per minute |
How to Take Care of Elderly Parents at Home
For each situation, there could be any number of things that fall into the vast ocean of how to take care of the elderly, or aging parents, at home whether they are aging in place or staying in your home. However, staying on top of their general health by measuring and recording their vital signs regularly needs to be a priority. Getting a target=”_blank”>UTI, or developing pneumonia could be at worst, fatal, or at best, ruin a well running and delicately balanced routine of caring while still living.
Providing care for elderly parents at home can be a rewarding, yet challenging task. It requires a balance of compassion, patience, and knowledge to ensure their comfort, safety, and well-being.
One of the most important aspects of home care is maintaining their health by regularly monitoring vital signs. This includes tracking body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Keeping a written record of these measurements can help detect any sudden changes or trends that might indicate a health concern.
Aside from health monitoring, it’s also crucial to assist them with daily activities as needed. This could range from helping with personal hygiene and meal preparation to ensuring they take their medications on time. Remember, the goal is to help them maintain their independence as much as possible while ensuring their safety.
Physical activity is another key component of elderly care. Encourage your loved ones to engage in regular, gentle exercises to help maintain their strength, balance, and overall health. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine what types of exercises are appropriate and safe for their condition.
Mental and emotional well-being are just as important as physical health. Engage them in stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, or crafts to keep their minds active. Regular social interaction, whether it’s with family members, friends, or community groups, can also help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Lastly, don’t forget about your own well-being as a caregiver. It’s essential to take breaks, seek support when needed, and take care of your own physical and mental health. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself enables you to provide the best care for your loved ones.
Home care for the elderly can be a complex task, but with the right knowledge and resources, it’s entirely manageable. And remember, you’re not alone. There are numerous resources and support groups available to help you navigate this journey. It’s not just about providing care—it’s about creating a loving, safe, and comfortable environment for your loved ones to thrive.
Bryan Williams
Physical Therapist
is a licensed therapist with near 30 years of professional experience treating a diverse patient population in a multitude of settings. With simple strategies, he educates and empowers his clients with simple strategies to help them move better and with less pain.
