When you think of life in care, you may think of people in hospice or similar needs. The truth is obesity is becoming an increasing issue around the world. In fact, you may be having an issue with a loved one and their obesity becoming too much for them. They may need ongoing and in-home care. One option you may have is around-the-clock in-home caregivers. If this is something you are considering or that you want to look into further, here are some tips for finding the right 24-hour live-in home care aide for your obese family member.
Mechanical Lift Experience
If you have been the primary caregiver for your obese loved one, you may already have a mechanical lift in the home. One of the first things you need to look for is a live-in home care aide that has experience in mechanical lifts. Though they may not have experience in the same lift as you have, having the experience and knowledge of using mechanical lifts will help with the safety and mobility of your loved one. You can show them how to use your particular type of mechanical lift, but with their prior knowledge, they will know how to place your loved one and how to safely lift them using that lift.
Turning and Bathing
Most home care aides have experience with turning and bathing patients. If you hire a live-in care aide that is a certified nursing assistant or home health aide they will have experience and how to properly turn and bathe an individual. However, you will need to find an aide that has specific background and experience with obese patients. Keep in mind that obese patients do need extra care when it comes to bathing and daily hygiene. Body areas may get soiled, experience skin tears, or become susceptible to rashes; these areas may not be as clear or evident as an elderly patient or similar resident.
Certified Aides
A key point when you are looking for live-in care for your obese family member is not just with experience. You should also look for someone who is a certified nursing assistant or certified home health aide. This certification means that they have not only had training in assisting with daily activities such as bathing, they also have training in medical management, administering medications, and noticing changes that could be vital to your loved one's health. For example, many nursing assistants and home health aides who are certified are trained in noticing signs of diabetes, swelling, and other issues that could lead to further health complications.
When you are ready to discuss a live-in care aide for your family member, contact services like Mid-Hudson Managed Home Care Inc. These types of services can discuss your options and provide you with 24-hour home care for your loved one.
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