A venous thromboemolisms (VTE) is a fancy name for a blood clot that forms in the vein. When the clot is located in a deep vein, it is called a deep vein thrombosis. Should the clot break loose and make its way to the lungs, it becomes a pulmonary embolism. If it breaks loose and goes to the brain, it is called a stroke. According to the US Surgeon General, between 100,000 to 200,000 people die of VTEs every year in the United States, alone.
The primary risk factor associated with a venous thromboemolism is surgery, especially when the patient is obese, an active smoker, or has cancer. While the US Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality notes that …show more content…
Comfort Keepers in home elderly care provide specialized transition services that, among other things, can significantly reduce the risk of venous thromboemolisms or their complications.
One of the primary things in home elderly care personnel can do for your senior loved one is to provide a set of trained eyes and ears. The primary signs and symptoms of a thrombosis are localized redness, warmth, and swelling, especially if accompanied by pain. According to Everyday Health, the pain often feels like a muscle cramp or pulled muscle. If spotted in time, a VTE can be treated before it leads to severe complications or death.
Since smoking tremendously increases the risk of a VTE, in home elderly care can work with your senior loved one to avoid smoking during their recovery and, hopefully, stop smoking for good. There are a number of smoking cessation programs and methods. In home elderly care personnel can help your loved one choose a program that is right for them while providing the social, emotional, and physical support to see it