Most often DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, occurs in the leg. The blood clot can cause serious lingering effects, including pain, and can reoccur many times. If the clot should move into the lungs, it creates a condition referred to as pulmonary embolism. This condition can also occur with the blood clot occurring initially in the lungs rather than traveling there. When these types of clots occur, they block the blood flow to the lungs. This makes this condition very dangerous, even life-threatening.
Risk factors for suffering pulmonary embolism include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Heart failure
- Certain cancers, including pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer
- Taking certain medications
- Surgery
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Being bedridden
- A long stretch of immobility, such as a long trip
How can senior care help?
-A home care provider can be a valuable source of support to help your parent reduce their risk of suffering a pulmonary embolism. Depending on your parent’s individual risk factors, this care provider can encourage your parent to get up and move around or engage in exercises in their bed or chair, help them to stay hydrated, and provide medication reminders to ensure that they take their medications when and how they are meant to in order to maximize the benefits those medications can provide.
-If your parent has recently undergone a surgery or injury, or has been ill and cannot move around as much as they should, this care provider can also be valuable in being vigilant about their condition and detecting the potential signs and symptoms that they might be struggling with DVT that may develop into PE or a PE. They can then bring these to your attention so that you are able to make the right decision about their health moving forward.
-Being a family caregiver for your aging parent can be one of the most meaningful choices that you make, but it can also be one of the most challenging. You are likely to find yourself feeling stressed and overwhelmed throughout your experience. This can be particularly true if you are in the sandwich generation caring for both your parent and your children, or if your parent struggles with health challenges or limitations. Fortunately, home care can help.
-A home care provider can step in to fill care gaps, manage care needs that are sensitive or too challenging for you, provide valuable support and assistance, and ensure that your parent has everything that they need when you are not able to be with them. This will give both of you peace of mind and confidence as they see greater independence, fulfillment, and quality of life throughout their later years.
Are you or a family member considering Senior Living Elk Grove, CA? Talk to the friendly staff at Golden Years In-Home Senior Care. Call Us Today 916-333-0383. We are here when you need us!
Source:
Mayoclinic.org
