While you likely started your caregiver journey with your elderly parent because they were suffering from particular health challenges or personal limitations that kept them from being able to handle their daily needs on their own, it is vital that you are always vigilant about the issues that might arise during their later years. One issue that seniors are at risk of is pulmonary embolism. This can be an extremely dangerous condition for your elderly parent if not addressed effectively, making it critical that you not only understand the condition, but take meaningful steps to address it in the way that is right for them.
Pulmonary embolism is a condition characterized by a blockage in one of the arteries in the lungs known as the pulmonary arteries. This generally happens because blood clots that form in the legs known as deep vein thrombosis travel up to the lungs and get lodged in these arteries. This causes the blood flow in the lungs to become blocked, causing a potentially life-threatening situation for your elderly parent. If the condition is identified quickly and addressed, however, your parent can experience reduced risk of death.
One of the most important things that you can do to help protect your parent from pulmonary embolism is take measures to reduce the risk that they will experience blood clots in their legs or in other areas of their body that might travel to their lungs. This is particularly important if your elderly parent is going to be undergoing a medical treatment that will reduce mobility, such as a surgery, or they have a medical condition that limits their mobility and physical activity. It is also important if they will be remaining still for a longer than usual period, such as taking a road trip or going on a long flight, which can put them at increased risk for developing a blood clot that might turn into a dangerous pulmonary embolism.
If you are concerned that your parent is at increased risk of a pulmonary embolism, do not hesitate to get in touch with their doctor. Discuss your concerns and work with them to find ways that you can protect your parent from pulmonary embolism and the potentially devastating consequences related to them.
If you have noticed that your senior loved one’s challenges and limitations have gotten worse and you no longer feel confident that you are able to give them the level of care that they need, or your own limitations or schedule have changed and you cannot give them the care that you would want to, starting home care for them might be the ideal solution. Whether your parent needs only a small amount of support such as transportation and help with activities of daily living, or more extensive care and support, you can work with an in-home care provider to personalized a schedule and an approach to help them address their individual challenges and limitations in the way that is right for them. As a family caregiver, this can give you peace of mind knowing that your senior is in good hands both when you are able to be with them and when you are not.
If you or an aging loved one needs caregiver services in Carmichael, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/data.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/home/ovc-20234736
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