One of the crucial steps any caregiver can take is to know the health conditions of the loved ones they are caring for. Why is this important? It prevents unnecessary emergency room visits. How do you determine if an emergency room is unnecessary? One way is to know the signs and symptoms of the chronic disease of your loved one. Keep in mind that some health conditions occur acutely(fast and obvious symptoms), while others occur over time. Any new acute display of mental capacity change, breathing difficulties, body weakness, or speech or facial drooping requires immediate attention. These changes could mean a change in the underlying medical conditions.
Caregivers may not be aware that urinary tract infections(widespread in the elderly) or wound infections are the most noted reasons for loved ones in the emergency room. Using our visual and smelling senses is a missed opportunity to avoid the emergency room. Foul-smelling urine or pus from a wound(often on the buttocks happens over time). Color changes in urine or wound discharge require attention. Calling the health care practitioner to share these concerns early on could result in treatment from home. This is also an important reason for regular doctor visits to stay on top of your loved ones’ conditions. To avoid the emergency room, the key is being proactive. Packing up a loved one to travel for emergency care can be taxing on an already fragile aged person.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I am asking that you become laser-focused on your loved ones to avoid missing early signs and symptoms that may not require emergency care. Oversight is a huge responsibility of a caregiver. I cannot overstate that using your senses( eyes, ears, and nose) could give you a reason to call the doctor rather than going to an emergency room. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager who serves as the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She’s excited to share her latest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. Her previous works, From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers, reflect her experiences and insights gained during her heartfelt caregiving journey.