Cataracts and Your Aging Parent
Home Health Care Philadelphia PA
Fifty percent of those reaching the age of 80 either have had cataract surgery or have cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye causing blurred vision.
What, exactly, is a Cataract?
The lens adjusts the eye’s focus for both close and far away. It is made predominantly of water and protein. As people age, the protein tends to clump together—this is a cataract. As it grows, it makes it more difficult to see. Smoking and diabetes are two known causes of cataracts. In addition to diminishing vision, a cataract can cause a change in the color of the lens, producing a yellow-brown tint in the field of vision. If a cataract is detected early, sight may be improved by wearing anti-glare eyeglasses, better lighting, or new eyeglasses. Eventually, if vision is significantly reduced, surgery may be the only viable option.
Changes in Surgery
Today, 90 percent of those that undergo surgery can see better following the operation. Cataract surgery has come a long way since the first reported surgical removal many years ago. The changes in surgical procedures have made cataract surgery one of the safest and most common operations in the United States.
How to Help a Parent Following Surgery
Full recovery can take up to one month following surgery. There are steps you, as the primary family caregiver, can take to ensure a successful outcome.
Drive your parent home following surgery.
Eye drops for reducing the chance of infection and promoting healing will most likely be prescribed. Help your parent remember this important medication. In addition, a patch will need to be worn over the eye when sleeping.
Provide assistance in the daily aspects of living following surgery in order to prevent excessive lifting or bending at the waist by your parent.
Home Health Care Provider
As a family caregiver, it’s easy to bare the weight of your parent’s needs post-surgery. You may feel that no one else can really take care of them the way you can. And, while that may be true, know that home care providers have been trained in the art of caring for the elderly. They’ve seen, first hand, the aftermath of various surgeries. They know what to expect, and how best to make your parent comfortable. They understand the importance of reminding them of their medication and making sure they eat healthy and nutritious meals for the greatest chance of post-op recovery.
Resources: www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract-facts
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Philadelphia PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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