How to Prevent Pressure Ulcers at Home

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Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, can be a significant concern for seniors who are bedridden or have limited mobility. These injuries occur when constant pressure is applied to the skin and underlying tissues, causing them to break down and become damaged. Pressure ulcers can be painful, difficult to heal, and increase the risk of infection. Here are some tips to prevent them:

  • Encourage regular movement
    Even small changes in position can help relieve pressure on the skin. Our bed bound client assistance encourages seniors to change positions every 15-30 minutes, even if they cannot get out of bed.
  • Use pressure-relieving devices
    Special cushions, mattresses, and pads can help distribute pressure evenly and reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Talk to your healthcare provider about which devices best suits your loved one.
  • Keep skin clean and dry
    Our home care assistance in California suggests keeping skin clean and dry skin. Ensure seniors are bathed regularly and keep their skin dry, particularly in areas where pressure ulcers are most likely to form, such as the buttocks and heels.
  • Monitor nutrition and hydration
    A healthy diet and adequate hydration can help prevent pressure ulcers by promoting skin health and healing. Make sure seniors eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids with the help of our caregivers.
  • Check for signs of pressure ulcers
    Regularly check seniors’ skin for redness, discoloration, or sores. Early detection and treatment can help prevent pressure ulcers from worsening.

These tips can help prevent pressure ulcers and keep seniors healthy and comfortable. If you notice any signs of pressure ulcers, talk to Thrive Home Care, your trusted provider of home care services in San Leandro, California, to ensure prompt treatment.

Eating Disorders in the Elderly Population

Proper nutrition is an integral part of a person’s health. And without proper nourishment, arises complications that lead to more serious health problems in seniors.

A lack of appetite due to problems and challenges is preventable, but it is different when a person has an eating disorder. And as providers of home care assistance in California, we find this very alarming.

There are three categories of eating disorders: those that go untreated for many years, those that resurface after previous treatment, and those that develop later in life. These disorders can have serious effects on individuals, and seeking professional help is important for recovery.

What are the common eating disorders in seniors?

  • Bulimia Nervosa
    This behavior characterizes eating large amounts of food followed by purging extremely, like using laxatives or triggering a gag reflex.
  • Binge Eating
    This is the compulsion to eat large amounts of food at a quick pace. Excessive eating behavior can be apparent, especially when the person starts to gain weight or become obese.
  • Anorexia Nervosa
    People with this condition have an extreme desire to look and remain thin. They do this through starvation and weight loss.
  • Anorexia of Aging
    Unlike Anorexia Nervosa, anorexia of aging is caused by multiple factors, including diseases, socioeconomic circumstances, and psychological factors. Changes brought about by aging, like losing the sense of smell and taste, can also be a factor, even with extensive meal planning & preparation.

Providers of home care services in San Leandro, California, must be vigilant in looking out for symptoms of these disorders. Give Thrive Home Care a chance to help your elderly loved ones find solutions to their health problems.

Should you need caregivers to help, contact us!

Why Is Medication Adherence Necessary?

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Instructions are always provided in prescriptions and medication packaging. But surprisingly, many people still find it hard to adhere to their medication intakes. Is it becoming a trend? Or is it a result of inadequate medical literacy and the lack of home care assistance in California?

If the trend continues, seniors may face the following concerns:

  • Healing
    Proper medication management provides comfort to seniors, and non-observance may lead to more health problems instead of healing.
  • Costs
    Non-adherence to proper medication results in a significant cost burden on families. It affects the outcome of the medication plan, thus spending more on repeat treatment.
  • Worsening conditions
    Skipping prescribed drugs is a violation of a planned medication program. It makes therapy ineffective, which causes the worsening of health conditions. And worse, it may even cause mortality.
  • Adverse drug effects
    Noncompliance with medication programs can cause dangerous side effects. People and their caregivers must carefully review and closely examine the possible adverse effects that may affect the overall health condition of patients.

Opt for medication assistance if you are having issues with compliance.

Thrive Home Care continuously reminds patients to be more cautious and follow their doctor’s instructions to avoid the unwanted effects of not taking medicines properly.

Should you need home care services in San Leandro, California, call us at 1 800-410-8818, and we will help you comply with your health requirements.

Efficient Ways to Adhere to Medication Intake Schedule

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The main reason why medications are prescribed is for health improvement. Every type of medication has been specifically formulated to fight the symptoms of a certain medical condition. This is why the importance of medications in patients’ health and recovery can’t be stressed enough. Observing proper medication management is a must for them. While some of them have no trouble with this, the rest may require medication assistance from healthcare professionals.

Healthcare professionals that provide home care services in San Leandro, California are the best people who can assist patients with medication management. Following the protocols is extremely important when it comes to this. It is an excellent way to prevent committing errors. On top of this, it is also vital for patients to make the most out of their medications. In order to achieve this, they must adhere to their medication intake schedule. Doing so maximizes medication efficacy. On the other hand, not being able to follow through has adverse effects.

Unfortunately, some patients may struggle with taking their medications on time. The challenge is even greater for seniors. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that they can’t do anything about it.

Below is a list of simple and effective ways to avoid late medication intake.

  • Make a checklist.
  • Set alarms on your phone.
  • Use a medication pillbox.
  • Incorporate it into a daily routine.
  • Let your loved ones or caregivers remind you.

Make it a point to always take your meds on time!

Thrive Home Care offers reliable home care assistance in California to help address your diverse healthcare needs!