If your loved one is paralyzed as a result of an accident, stroke, or other neurological condition, then they may be unable to care for themselves at home. If they would rather remain in their home instead of moving to a long-term care facility, then consider the following benefits that a home care services professional can offer.
ADL Assistance
Bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating are known as activities of daily living, or ADLs. Both total and partial paralysis can rob people of their ability to perform their ADLs, putting them at risk for poor hygiene and even illness. A home care services provider can either assist your loved one with their activities of daily living or perform the ADLs for the individual if they are completely dependent on others for their care. In addition, people who are paralyzed may be unable to swallow, posing a choking risk.
Depending on your loved one's ability to swallow, the home caregiver can prepare soft pureed foods that go down the throat easily, however, if the patient is unable to swallow at all, they may have a feeding tube. If your loved one has a feeding tube, the caregiver can administer the liquid feedings through the tube and provide skin care for the opening in the abdominal area that has been created by the physician.
Incontinent Care
Paralyzed individuals usually do not know when they have to go to the bathroom, and consequently, are typically incontinent. If your loved one's perineal area is not quickly cleaned after an incontinent episode of urine or stool, their skin will break down. The home care services provider will ensure that your loved one stays clean and dry, and they will report any skin changes such as redness and inflammation to you and the primary care doctor.
The caregiver will also apply barrier ointments such as petroleum jelly or zinc oxide to the perineal area to help prevent urine and stool from making contact with their skin. If the paralyzed individual has residual sensation in their legs, they may be able to transfer to the toilet from their wheelchair, either independently or with the assistance of the caregiver.
If your loved one is paralyzed and is unable to live independently, consider the above benefits of hiring a home care services professional. Once the individual is receiving the care that they need, they may be able to cope better with their condition and have a more positive outlook for the future. For more information, contact a company like Moonlight Home Health Care.
