Caregiver Kit for Measuring Vital Signs
When you are caretaking you can not afford to fly blind. Strongly consider assembling a caretaker vital signs kit. Do a baseline check on your loved one’s vital signs as soon as your kit is assembled, then check them monthly unless their doctor orders more frequent checks.
Kit to include:
-Automated blood pressure monitor -Oxygen saturation monitor -Thermometer -EKG monitor -Scale
*Note: Request that your loved one’s primary care provider (family doctor/primary doctor) give you a range for all vitals signs based on their medical expertise and knowledge of your loved one’s multiple diagnosis (comorbidities), medications, lifestyle, along with personal goals. You can use the following ranges as an example. Show them to your love one’s doctor and ask them to adjust based on their expert opinion and your loved one’s condition.
BMI Weight Status Below 18.5 Underweight:18.5-24.9 Healthy: 25.0-29.9 Overweight 30.0 and Above Obese
Temperature (Temp): 97 F (36.1 C) and 99 F (37.2 C) or more
Heart rate (HR): 60-100 beats per minute (when at rest)
Blood Pressure (BP): Breaks down into two numbers- your systolic blood pressure (upper number) and diastolic blood pressure (lower number). Systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Normal range: Systolic: 90-129 mm Hg Diastolic: 60-79 mm Hg
Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic:130-139 mm Hg Diastolic: 80-89 mm Hg
Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic: 140- or Higher Diastolic: 90- or Higher
Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic: 180- or Higher Diastolic:120- or Higher (consult your doctor immediately)
Recommended Devices
Omron Complete™ Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor + EKG Model: BP7900 https://omronhealthcare.com/products/complete-upper-arm-blood-pressure-monitor-ekg-bp7900/
Omron Evolv® Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor Model: BP7000 https://omronhealthcare.com/products/evolv-wireless-upper-arm-blood-pressure-monitor-bp7000/
QardioSp02 Monitor measures your blood oxygen level and pulse rate
QardioTemp Reads temperature in seconds to track fever
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG IS GIVING MEDICAL SUGGESTIONS, WHICH CANNOT REPLACE MEDICAL TREATMENT. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF URGENT MEDICAL CARE DO NOT DELAY TREATMENT. SEEK TREATMENT NOW.
