Sometimes people have a build-up of cholesterol, fats, and other types of substances in their arteries. This can cause obstructions in the flow of blood throughout the body. When this happens, it is called atherosclerosis. For some people, they don’t experience any symptoms until they have a serious health event from the obstruction. However, if your elderly loved one has this condition, it is important to know what to do to help. They might need medications and surgery from their doctor. However, there are ways you and home health care providers can help, as well.
Bathing Assistance
One of the things that your elderly loved one might need help with if they had surgery for atherosclerosis is bathing. Your elderly loved one needs to be very careful not to get their incision infected. The area should be kept as dry as possible. This might mean that you or an aide helps your loved one to fully dry the incision area after their shower.
Your elderly loved one’s doctor might tell them not to take a bath or soak in water for 3 to 6 weeks after their surgery. This is because soaking in the water can get water and germs into the incision.
Your elderly loved one might be a bit dizzy after they had surgery, too. They might need you or a home care provider to stay with them in the bathroom to prevent a fall.
Getting Dressed
Home health care providers can help your elderly loved one to get dressed, as well. After having surgery, it might be tough for your elderly loved one to move around. They might not be able to stretch above their head to put on their shirt. They might not be able to bend down to pull on their pants. If this is the case, you can hire home health care providers to help your loved one with getting dressed until they are able to do it themselves.
Cooking and Eating
Your elderly loved one might need someone to cook for them and help them eat, too. They might need someone to ensure they are cooking foods that are low in sodium, saturated fats, and higher in fiber.
These are some of the ways that home health care providers can help your elderly loved one if they have atherosclerosis. If you have further questions about how the home health care providers can help, make the call today to find out more.
Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atherosclerosis
If you or an aging loved one are in need of Home Health Care Services in Northport NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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