Meningitis occurs when the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord becomes infected. It’s a health concern affecting 2.5 million people globally each year. While older adults can get a vaccination to lower the risk of contracting this disease, it’s not always effective and not everyone gets the shots. In the U.S., between 600 and 1,000 people get meningitis each year.
These are facts that the Meningitis Research Foundation wants people to know on World Meningitis Day. While immunizations and avoidance of people who are sick is a good way to avoid contracting meningitis, it’s not going to eliminate the risk and that’s why your dad has meningitis now.
When he comes home from the hospital, make sure he has the support of 24-hour home care aides. Here are the benefits of this type of home care.
He Has Help With Meals and Snacks
All of your dad’s meals and snacks are prepared for him. He’ll have plenty to eat and drink, and it’s all going to be home-cooked instead of canned that’s often high in sodium and added sugar. His caregivers can make sure he’s having plenty of smoothies that are packed with antioxidants, soups that are packed with vegetables and fiber, and herbal tea to keep him hydrated.
His Caregivers Can Run Errands
Your dad needs his prescriptions refilled or he’s out of over-the-counter NSAIDs. He might need to have someone pick up packages or groceries. He’s not up to it, but his caregivers can pick up items on the way to his house.
With 24-hour home care services, he has caregivers working in shifts to provide all-day, all-night coverage. If he needs more ibuprofen after he goes to bed, the caregiver who is scheduled to arrive at 11 p.m. could pick it up on the way.
He Has Help With Nightly Bathroom Trips and Bedding Changes
Your dad’s fever broke in the middle of the night and his sheets are damp from sweat. He doesn’t want to sleep on them, but he lacks the energy to strip his bed, do the laundry, and make the bed with fresh sheets. A caregiver can do it for him.
He’s still weak, but he needs to go to the bathroom. His caregiver can help him walk to the bathroom and help him get back to bed.
Make sure you support your dad with 24-hour home care before he arrives home. He needs to sleep, but he also has medications he must take. He has to drink enough water and eat regularly, too. With 24-hour home care aides helping out, meals and drinks are prepared throughout the day and night.
The other benefit of around-the-clock home care is that your dad doesn’t feel alone. He has peace of mind knowing that he has a helper nearby if he needs anything or feels like his health is worsening.
Sources:
https://www.meningitis.org/blogs/introducing-world-meningitis-day
https://nmaus.org/nma-disease-prevention-information/statistics-and-disease-facts/
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Lewisville, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 817-928-5788.
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Denton County, Montague County, Cooke County, Grayson County, Fannin County, Lamar County, Wise County, Collin County, Hunt County, Delta County, and Hopkins County in Texas.
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