Every year, an estimated 73,000 amputations are performed on diabetic patients. Four out of five amputations began when a foot ulcer became infected, but three-quarters of them could be prevented through proper foot care. If your dad does have an ulcer on his foot that isn’t healing, amputation may be the best option. It’s estimated that about 15% of Americans with diabetes get foot ulcers, so it’s not uncommon if your dad does. What’s important is how he takes care of himself going forward and how skilled nursing care providers can help manage the situation.
Proper Foot Care Is Essential
Skilled Nursing Care Fort Lauderdale FL – Considerations When Your Diabetic Dad Undergoes an AmputationAfter losing one foot or leg to amputation, your dad needs to take care of his remaining foot. Skilled nurses can check his foot for sores and clean and dress them if he has any. By keeping them clean and bandaged, the risk of infection is much lower.
His stump also needs proper care. He’s going to need to learn how to bandage it up and protect it with a sock or other soft covering, especially if he’s being fitted with a prosthetic device and is learning how to use it.
Blood Sugar Management Needs Proper Attention
Do your dad and any family caregivers know how to manage his blood sugar levels? Sometimes diet and exercise are enough, but there may be times when he needs to use prescription medications and insulin. If he’s sick with the flu or a stomach virus, it may throw off his sugar levels to concerning levels.
Ask about home health care services where your dad and family caregivers learn more about diabetes diet and exercise requirements. Diabetes education is an important first step in proper disease management.
Regular Medical Visits Are Key
Your dad needs to see his doctor regularly. He also needs someone to check his blood pressure and pulse each week to make sure his blood pressure is within his target range. He needs to check his blood sugar levels consistently and address fluctuations with diet, exercise, and any prescribed medications.
Skilled Nursing Care Aids His Recovery Process
He needs to have the help of skilled nurses while he heals. He needs to avoid infection, and that means regular bandage changes and assessment of the healing skin. If there are signs of infection, IV antibiotics may be recommended. Instead of returning to the hospital, nurses can set up the IV lines in his home where he’s most comfortable.
While he may be depressed and not want to get off the sofa, he must become as active as possible. Skilled nursing care can help with physical and occupational therapy services that help him increase his mobility. Nurses can also monitor his level of depression and alert his medical team if there are concerns.
Arrange skilled nursing care before your dad returns home. He’s going to have a long road to recovery, but with the right level of support, he will get there and learn how to take care of himself and his mobility going forward. Talk to his doctors and then call a skilled nursing care professional to arrange the recommended nursing services.
Sources: https://www.usavascularcenters.com/blog/pad-and-diabetic-amputation-statistics/
If you or a family member need to hire Skilled Nursing Care Services in Fort Lauderdale FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. We provide service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach, and Tamarac.
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