DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, affects millions of seniors every year. DVT is caused by a blood clot forming in the veins deep in the lower legs. These clots can form in other deep veins, but the condition most commonly affects lower legs. Seniors who have DVT need to take precautions to stay healthy and active to control their health more effectively. Home care assistance can make it a lot easier for them to hit their health goals.
Put a Plan Together with the Doctor
Any goal for staying healthy and active is likely to start with an exercise plan. Seniors should always talk with their doctors before starting any new exercise routine, especially if they have serious health issues like DVT. Staying active doesn’t have to mean overexerting, and medical providers can help seniors and family caregivers to understand the limits.
Engage in Low-impact Exercise
Low-impact exercises are easy on the joints and don’t add pressure to the legs. These types of exercises are exactly what seniors with DVT need. Some examples include cycling, swimming, yoga, and walking. The point of this type of movement is to get blood flowing, improve circulation overall, reduce inflammation, and hopefully reduce the risk of clot formation.
Wear Compression Stockings
Compression socks fit tightly around the calves and feet in an effort to keep blood and lymphatic fluid from pooling in the lower legs. This helps to reduce the likelihood of clot formation and it might be a recommendation that helps seniors to feel better and to be more active. There are different types of compression socks available, so it’s important to stick with the pressure recommended by the senior’s doctor for best results.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
People with DVT who are overweight might have a more difficult time being as active as they need to be in order to stay healthy. Carrying too much extra weight puts more pressure on the veins throughout the body, increasing the risk that a clot might form. Sticking to a healthy diet is important, and home care assistance is a great way to ensure that seniors are eating healthy meals routinely. Caregivers can help with meal preparation and planning, making healthy eating easy to do.
Take Breaks from Sitting
Seniors who tend to be more sedentary are at a much greater risk of developing DVT and clots. Sitting for too long restricts blood flow in the legs, which also contributes to clot formation risk. Getting up periodically and walking around the house can help seniors to take breaks from sitting for too long. Elder care providers can help them to stick to a routine for moving more throughout the day. Something else to consider is propping feet up when sitting to help blood flow back up the legs.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is always a problem for seniors. In seniors who have DVT, dehydration can cause blood to thicken up, which is a recipe for clot formation. Increasing fluid intake as well as eating foods that naturally contain more water is an important way to increase overall hydration. This is another area where home care assistance can help out.
Follow the Treatment Plan
Overall, it’s just important to follow doctor’s orders when it comes to living with DVT. That plan may change over time, as health issues continue to change as well. What matters most is that seniors have the support that they need from family caregivers and home care providers in order to continue to enjoy their lives.
Staying active and healthy are two very important factors for people living with DVT. The plan doesn’t have to be a complicated one, and it’s a good idea to make sure that home care assistance is there for extra support.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Granbury, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call (817) 631-7710.
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Parker County, Tarrant County, Johnson County, Hood County, Somervell County, Erath County, Bosque County and Hamilton County in Texas.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment - May 23, 2024
- Unexpected Ways Companion Care Can Help Your Mom - May 14, 2024
- Rituals to Help a Senior Practice Mindfulness Everyday - May 9, 2024
