Each year throughout the United States millions of people need transfusions of blood and blood components. These transfusions are used to help with the treatment of serious medical conditions such as cancer, to support patients during major medical procedures, and to preserve life after emergencies such as car crashes and other disasters. While approximately 38 percent of the total American population is eligible to donate blood at any time, experts estimate that only 10 percent of those who are eligible actually donate each year. Donating blood can make a tremendous difference in the community and touch the lives of multiple people. Encouraging your senior to donate blood is a wonderful way for them to feel more connected to the world around them and as though they still hold relevance and importance. They may be concerned, however, that they are not eligible to donate blood. It is a very common misconception that seniors are too old to donate or that anyone with any health issues is not eligible. This, however, is not the case.
Eligibility to donate blood is determined both prior to donation and at the time of donation. General eligibility requirements include being at least 100 pounds, not having gotten a tattoo within the last year, and not suffering from bloodborne illnesses. There are some other health concerns that would disqualify your parent, such as an acute infection, personal history of leukemia or other blood cancers, or use of certain medications or treatments. Other health issues, however, make no impact on eligibility. High blood pressure, for example, does not disqualify your parent as long as your parent is feeling well and has a moderate pressure at the time of donation.
If your parent wishes to donate blood, have them talk to their doctor about any issues that might disqualify them. If they have any further questions, get in touch with the American Red Cross to review eligibility requirements. Your parent will undergo a mini-physical at the time of donation to ensure that they are in good health and eligible to donate.
Being a family caregiver for an elderly adult can be very stressful and make you feel as though you are constantly trying to finish a to-do list that won’t stop growing. If you are feeling overwhelmed, as though you are not giving your aging parent the care that they deserve, like you have limitations that keep you from fulfilling care tasks in the appropriate way, or that your parent would simply benefit from additional care and support, home care can help. You do not have to do it all when you agree to be your parent’s caregiver. Being a caregiver means taking the steps to give your loved one what they require to manage their needs and make the most of their later years, and starting home care for them can accomplish this. This care provider can step in to fill care gaps, offer companionship, and enrich your parent’s life while ensuring that you continue to support and care for them in all of the ways that are right for both of you.
If you or an aging loved one needs caregiver services in Sacramento, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Source
https://www.redcrossblood.org/promotions/midwest/its-national-blood-donor-month
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