Is Your Senior At Increased Risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis, can be extremely dangerous for your elderly parent. These blood clots can lead to long-lasting effects such as pain and decreased mobility, and can even lead to death, particularly if they move to the lungs causing what is known as a pulmonary embolism. Protecting your aging parents from DVT is a critical step in guarding their health and well-being throughout their later years. As a family caregiver, the first step in doing this is understanding the condition and their individual risk for it. You can then use this information to modify your care routine to reduce the risk and to protect your parents, as well as to ensure that you are vigilant and can detect the symptoms that may indicate that they are suffering from a blood clot so that you can get them the immediate medical attention that they need.
Caregiver in Skokie IL: Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis
Some of the risk factors for deep vein thrombosis include:
- Having an inherited blood clotting disorder. Approximately 5 to 8 percent of the population has this inherited factor that increases their risk.
- Prolonged period of bedrest such as due to an extended illness or after a surgery or other procedure.
- Injury caused to the veins.
- Surgery that impacts the veins.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Personal history of smoking.
- Personal history of some forms of cancer.
- Heart failure.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- Being over the age of 60.
- Sitting for long periods, such as when traveling or due to immobility.
If your senior has any of these risk factors, do not hesitate to get in touch with their doctor to discuss their risk and what you can do to help them stay safe. They can offer recommendations for keeping your parent moving, lifestyle choices, and possibly medications to reduce the risk and keep your parent safer and healthier.
Making the decision to be a family caregiver for your aging parent can be one of the most meaningful choices you ever make. This is a way for you to show love and respect to your parent, and to ensure that they are getting all that they need to manage their challenges and limitations in effective, meaningful, fulfilling ways. The responsibilities of caring for your parent, however, can be stressful and, at times, overwhelming. Fortunately, you do not have to feel as though you are alone. Home care can be there for you. Starting care for your parent means that an in-home care provider can be with your parent to fill care gaps, offer support and companionship, manage sensitive care tasks, and work with you to create a care routine that is right for your senior as an individual. This can give both of you tremendous peace of mind and confidence as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Skokie, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Sources
https://www.stoptheclot.org/know-your-risk.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557
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