Home Health Care Jamaica NY
As a family caregiver, you know that the winter season often brings with it illness and infection. While these are generally mild to moderate, for your elderly loved one they might be much more pressing. Aging adults have immune systems that are lower and not as effective as those of younger people, which means that an illness or infection that seems mild to you or your children could develop into something very serious for your senior.
Understanding the different types of infections and illnesses that are possible can help you to detect possible issues when they occur so that you can give your parent the care that they need and ensure that they get the medical treatment necessary to help them overcome their issue and move forward more healthily.
One common infection that occurs at this time of year, but can occur at any time of the year, is conjunctivitis. Also known as “pink eye”, this is an infection of the membrane inside the eyelid and over the white portion of the eye. This infection leads to inflammation of the lining. The term “pink eye” comes from the red coloration of the white portion of the eye that occurs when the blood vessels of the eye become irritated and inflamed.
Pink eye is generally the result of a bacterial or viral infection but can also be caused by an allergic reaction. Though it can be very uncomfortable, it very rarely causes serious problems such as vision loss. It is important to note, however, that this infection is highly contagious so it is critical that as soon as your parent notices the signs of pink eye or is diagnosed with this infection they, and you, take caution to help prevent them from spreading this infection into their other eye or into yours.
Starting elderly home health care for your aging parent is one of the best decisions that you can make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. An elderly home health care services provider can be with your senior loved one on a customized schedule that is tailored to their specific needs, challenges, and limitations in a way that is right for them.
This means that they can enjoy a lifestyle that is fulfilling, active, and engaged, but that is also safe, comfortable, and healthy. A care provider can create a highly personalized course of care, support, assistance, and encouragement designed to address their personality, goals, and beliefs so that they are able to live the lifestyle that they desire and deserve throughout their later years.
When it comes to helping your elderly loved one deal with a pressing health condition or recover from an illness or infection such as pink eye, this elderly home health care services provider can be with your aging parent to encourage them to comply with their prescriptions and lifestyle goals, make healthy lifestyle choices, and practice aggressive germ control that will allow them to stay healthier as they age in place.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/features/conjunctivitis/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/basics/definition/con-20022732