Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a life-changing event for the elderly adults that suffer from the injury as well as their family members. More than 140,000 emergency room visits each year are due to elderly adults receiving traumatic brain injuries from falling accidents. While the injuries can range from mild to severe, most seniors aren’t able to live independently again after the accident. This means that family members need to decide on in-home care arrangements.
Why TBIs Are So Devastating to Seniors
Few people are truly aware of the effects that traumatic brain injury inflicts onto a person’s life until their elderly loved one is affected. With a TBI, parts of the brain are harmed, and recovery is different for everyone. Common after-effects of TBI include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, poor balance, lack of focus, sleep difficulties and mood swings. In serious cases, elderly adults with TBI may have convulsions, slurred speech, loss of physical control, and even end up in a vegetative state.
After the elderly person has been treated at the hospital, many doctors recommend they go to a long-term recovery facility for constant care. They often work on physical therapy , occupational therapy and more. If they progress, the doctors may clear them to return home as long as they have constant care. For seniors that have been living independently in their own home, this can be a difficult adjustment.
Elder Care Helps Seniors With TBIs
-When recovering from a traumatic brain injury, elderly adults must be careful not to injure their head again. They should avoid strenuous activity and risky situations that may lead to another slip and fall. An elder care assistant can be there to support and run interference for seniors as they recover at home. An elder care aide can help the aging person with bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting.
-Staying clean, comfortable and healthy is the best way for elderly adults to enhance their recovery from a traumatic brain injury. An elder care assistant can ensure the senior is eating well-balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids. They can remind the elderly adult to take their prescription medication and encourage them to be active instead of sedentary. Last but not least, an elder care aide can be a companion for seniors so they don’t have to be alone.
-Family members that need help in managing all that the recovery effort takes should seriously look into an elder care assistant. Not only will the family members have peace of mind knowing their loved one is in good hands, but the elderly person will not have to wait around in unsafe or uncomfortable conditions for a family member to be free.
There are many components to a successful recovery from a traumatic brain injury. Seniors may need additional medications, therapy and even more surgeries to fully treat the symptoms of a TBI. With the help of an elder care assistant, seniors really have the best possible chance for recovery.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Piedmont, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
Source:
NCmedicaljournal.com
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