Caregivers in Boynton Beach FL
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 300,000 cases of Lyme disease occur throughout the United States each year. This disease occurs on both coasts as well as central states, though it is concentrated on the coasts. Transmitted primarily by the bites of deer ticks on the East Coast and black-legged ticks on the West Coast, Lyme disease can impact on systems of the body, including the brain and the heart. When not treated properly, it can lead to paralysis, cognitive decline, and potentially death. As their caregiver you can make a tremendous difference in their ability to overcome it.
Fortunately, Lyme disease is treatable, though the recovery period can be quite long. Giving your parent the support and care that they need during this recovery period is essential to helping them get through this disease in the best way possible.
Use these tips to help you care for your parent during their recovery from Lyme Disease:
- Understand the treatment. Depending on the severity of your parent’s condition, the treatment for their Lyme disease may be extremely complex. It can involve several different medications, some of which require special considerations to ensure that their body stays healthy during the intensive treatment. Make sure that you and your parent both understand this treatment thoroughly. This will allow you to remind your parent to take their medications as needed.
- Support their immune system. The infection itself can suppress the immune system, but so can the treatment. This means that while recovering, your parent will be more vulnerable to other infections and illnesses. Supporting their immune system with a balanced diet, rest, and proper exercise is important to helping them get through the recover without suffering further illness.
- Protect them from the sun. One of the most common guidelines given to those suffering from Lyme disease is to avoid the sun. This is due to one of the leading treatments prescribed for the disease. If your aging parent has received this recommendation, it is important to realize that putting sunscreen on them is not sufficient. Sunscreen does not impact sun sensitivity and could put your parent at even greater risk of severe burns because they may feel overly confident due to the sunscreen. Encourage them to stay inside as much as possible, and to wear long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and sunglasses whenever going out of the home during treatment.
Many people are misdiagnosed due to the fact that the symptoms of this condition often mimic the symptoms of other conditions, such as the flu or chronic fatigue syndrome. This can cause a person to suffer the disease for an extended period without receiving treatment, putting them at far greater risk for the serious health consequences that can occur due to this disease. If you suspect your parent may have been infected with the disease, it is important that you bring these concerns to their doctor to ensure that they get the treatment that they need.
If you or a family member are in need of a professional caregiver in Boynton Beach, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Source:
http://www.livingwithlymedisease.org/living-with-lyme-disease.html
http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/humancases.html
https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-basics/lyme-disease/about-lyme/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/basics/prevention/con-20019701
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