Signs That Your Parent Might Be Coping with Liver Disease
Elderly Care in Manassas City VA
The Liver Foundation estimates that there are more than 30 million people throughout the United States who are currently suffering from some form of liver disease. As a family caregiver it is 
especially important to note that baby boomers, that is those adults who were born between the years 1945 and 1965, are at particular risk for viral hepatitis. Approximately 75 percent of those people who are living with hepatitis C are within this age range, and baby boomers are around five times more likely to develop this form of viral hepatitis that people of any other age range. Other risks to the liver include cirrhosis, fatty liver, and liver cancer, one of the very few cancers in the United States that is experiencing an increase in diagnoses. Being able to identify symptoms of potential liver problems can help you to ensure that your aging parent gets the medical attention and care that they need to manage their symptoms effectively as they age.
Some of the signs and symptoms of liver disease include:
- Yellowish tint in the skin or the whites of the eyes, also referred to as jaundice
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen that is not related to other health complications
- Swelling in the ankles and legs
- Increased vulnerability to bruising and bruises that do not heal within an appropriate time frame
- Itchy skin
- Diminished appetite
- Nausea or vomiting that is not related to another health condition or concern
- Chronic fatigue
- Dark coloration of the urine
- Pale stools
- Stools that appear bloody or tar-like
If you notice any of these symptoms in your aging parent, it is important to get them to the doctor as soon as possible for thorough examination and an accurate diagnosis. This is especially important if your parent has not been tested for viral forms of hepatitis, especially hepatitis C. Early detection is key to making sure that your elderly parent can get on the course of treatment or management that is right for their particular liver problem, other health complications and concerns that they might be dealing with, and their care goals.
If your aging parent is suffering from liver disease or they are at increased risk and you feel that they would benefit from additional care and support to manage their health, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elder care for them. An elderly home care services provider can help your parent understand their health concerns and guide them through remaining compliant with the guidelines given to them by their doctor, including helping them make good decisions regarding their diet and offering reminders to take their medications. In addition to personalized services tailored to helping them address their liver disease specifically, the care provider can also help your parent to maintain their quality of life through staying active, finding ways to engage with the community around them, and keeping their mental and emotional health high.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional elderly care in Manassas City, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities
Sources:
http://www.liverfoundation.org/education/liverlowdown/ll1013/bigpicture/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/basics/symptoms/con-20025300
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