Senior Home Health Care Services For Patients With Mobility Problems
As people age, they may be at risk for developing mobility problems as a result of degenerative joint diseases, breathing problems, chronic pain, or as a result of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or stroke. If your aging loved one cannot live independently because of mobility problems, consider hiring a senior home health care professional. Here are some ways a senior home health care provider can enhance your loved one's quality of life during their golden years.
Position Changes And Skin Monitoring
People with mobility problems may be unable to reposition themselves when in bed or in their wheelchairs, which can raise the risk of pressure ulcers. When pressure is placed upon the bony prominences for extended periods of time, circulation can be impaired, causing the skin to break down. The senior home health care provider can reposition your loved one every couple of hours and as needed to help relieve pressure from the lower back, hips, elbows, and heels, as well as other parts of the body that may be susceptible to pressure ulcers.
During position changes, the senior home health care provider can also massage the skin with lotion to promote circulation which can help promote healthy skin. While repositioning your loved one, the caregiver can also check their skin for any redness, inflammation, or wounds. If found, they will notify you and the patient's primary care physician so that a treatment plan can be implemented.
Bathing And Dressing Assistance
Mobility problems can increase your loved one's risk for accidents and injuries, especially when bathing or showering. The senior home health care provider can help the person in and out of the tub or shower and assist with washing. If your loved one is completely immobile and unable to get out of bed, the caregiver will administer a bed bath. They will also perform incontinence care if the individual is incontinent.
Dressing assistance can also be provided for the aging adult. If your loved one only has minor mobility issues such as difficulty raising their arms above their head or buttoning a shirt, the senior home health care provider can assist them as needed. Conversely, if the patient is completely immobile and requires total care, the caregiver will dress them.
If your aging loved one has mobility problems that prevent them from living safely and independently at home, consider the above benefits of hiring a senior home health care provider. Doing so will not only give you peace of mind knowing that your loved one's needs are being met, but it may also enhance the aging individual's quality of life so that they are more optimistic about their future.