DVT (otherwise known as Deep Vein Thrombosis) occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in a deeper vein of the body, typically the legs. It often occurs when the blood isn’t flowing well through an area or if the vein is damaged from a previous injury. While it may cause pain and swelling if it occurs in the legs or other extremities, they are generally not life-threatening in that area of the body. The concern arrives when and if the blood clot breaks free from its location and travels to the lungs. Therefore, if your loved one is diagnosed with DVT, his physician will recommend treatment, and home care providers can help them follow through with their plans.
Primary Goals of DVT Treatment
Unless your elderly loved one is in immediate danger, he might be able to receive his treatment at home.
The purpose of these home treatments is to:
- Stop the clot from breaking off and moving to a more dangerous area of the body like the lungs.
- Prevent the clot from getting any larger and involving nearby veins.
- Reduce the risk of other DVTs from developing
- Lessen the possibility of long-term complications from DVT.
Home Care Providers Can Help with DVT Self Care
Once your loved one is sent home to recover from his DVT, he will need to take some steps toward self-care to prevent the risks of other DVTs from developing and managing the DVT that he does have. Having a professional home care assistance team ready to step in and help him heal is one of the best ways to make sure his doctor’s orders are understood and followed.
Here are just a few ways a home care provider can help your loved one recover from his DVT.
Medication reminders. Your loved one may be prescribed some blood thinner or other medications to help keep his DVT a manageable size. He will also need regular blood tests to check how well his blood is clotting and his home care assistance provider can help him with appointment reminders and even transportation if he needs it.
Exercise. Keeping those legs or arms moving is key to reducing the risk of another DVT developing. A home care assistance provider can work with your loved one and his physician to develop a good exercise plan. Even if your loved one is wheelchair-bound or confined to his bed for most of the day, regular movement should be a part of his day to prevent more DVTs from beginning.
Support or Compression Stockings. The doctor may request that your loved one wear compression stockings to reduce his risk. These stockings will reduce swelling by providing consistent pressure to the legs below the knees. They can be difficult to put on if your loved one has arthritis. A home care assistance provider can help him get them on and off when he needs help.
Reduce his weight if needed. DVT is more common in those who are overweight. A home care assistance provider can help your loved one make healthier food choices that will support his weight loss goals. Too much weight puts extra pressure on the veins, so even losing a small amount of weight can help reduce his risk of developing another DVT.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Lauderhill FL, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida including Palm Beach, Miami Dade, and Broward County.
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