Family members play a major part in caring for their aging loved ones. Still, there are some decisions that should be made by social service personnel, medical professionals, and even older people. Las Vegas Home care providers share five decisions family caregivers should avoid making.
1. Discontinuing Medication
Certain medications can effectively manage chronic health conditions but can also cause serious side effects. Seniors may not want to take the medicine when these side effects occur. Family caregivers should never discontinue any medication without discussing it with a doctor, as it can pose serious medical consequences to a senior’s health. For example, instead of gradually weaning, if a blood pressure medication is abruptly discontinued, your loved one may have a dangerous spike in blood pressure or a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Discontinuing aspirin suddenly can lead to a stroke, blood clot, or heart attack, as aspirin is often prescribed to thin the blood. When they stop the dosage, their blood can get thicker and tend to clot too quickly.
2. Modifying a Therapeutic Diet
Many aging adults follow therapeutic diets like low protein, low sodium, and diabetic diets. These diets can be unappealing to some people, but caregivers should never try to make alterations to these diets. Changes in taste happen with age, making food taste bitter, bland, or metallic. If your aging loved one complains about food taste, consult a physician before making any dietary changes. A therapeutic diet is an important part of managing specific diseases. Therefore, altering it can harm your loved one’s health.
3. Restricting Visitors
In instances where you’re senior loved one is in good mental health and capable of independent decision-making, it’s important not to dictate who can or cannot visit them. However, during periods of illness or fatigue, it might be necessary to limit visitors. Connecting with family and friends remains crucial for seniors, helping prevent feelings of sadness and social isolation. Striking a balance between autonomy and well-being can contribute to their happiness and mental wellness.
4. Neglecting Hygiene Practices
Pain, fatigue, depression, and limited mobility can lead seniors to neglect their hygiene. Family caregivers should never decide to let their loved ones stop maintaining oral hygiene or bathing, as these may cause serious infections, skin conditions, tooth loss, and gum disease. If your loved one doesn’t have enough energy to shower or brush their teeth, offer help. Suggest a sponge bath if they feel weak to step into a bathtub. Bed or sponge baths should be limited to those who are injured or too ill to take a full bath or shower.
5. Stopping Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be tiring, but it requires work and dedication to reach certain goals. Seniors, especially those with hip replacements and other orthopedic surgery, need physical therapy to maintain strength and regain mobility and range of motion. As a caregiver, you should never decide to discontinue your loved one’s physical therapy, even if he or she doesn’t like to participate. If you feel he or she can no longer tolerate therapy, consult a doctor.
6. Ignoring Financial Planning
Caring for a loved one often entails unforeseen expenses that can strain your finances. Overlooking these costs may lead to financial challenges for both you and your family. To prevent this, it’s crucial to plan for caregiving-related expenses proactively. Seek guidance from financial experts, tap into available resources, and develop a comprehensive budget. By taking these steps, you can safeguard your financial stability and ensure that your caregiving journey remains sustainable.
7. Failing to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, caregiving tasks require specialized knowledge and skills that you may not possess. Failing to seek professional help when needed can lead to inadequate care and potential health risks for your loved one. Don’t hesitate to consult doctors, therapists, or other home care professionals to ensure the best care possible.
Conclusion
If you find yourself in need of guidance and contemporary insights to ensure top-notch care for your beloved senior, it’s worth contemplating the services of professional home care Las Vegas. Families often rely on these in-home care solutions to facilitate their aging loved ones to gracefully age within the warmth of their familiar abode, surrounded by cherished memories and the comfort of family
