In your role as a family caregiver it is critical that you recognize the risks that your aging parent is facing or the health challenges that they might encounter so that you are able to promptly and effectively give them the care that they need to overcome these challenges. Some of these are more expected and straightforward, such as a cold, but there are others that are more sudden and unexpected. One such issue is a burn. These can happen very suddenly and in a wide variety of situations, from cooking to simply touching a hot metal surface. In the summertime your parent might experience a burn due to fireworks, touching a hot seatbelt, or even sitting on hot cement. Prompt first aid is very important to reducing the pain and damage that might occur and that starts with being able to recognize the severity of the burn so that you know what steps to take.
Use these guidelines to help you recognize the severity of a burn that your parent suffers so that you are able to give them the first aid and care that they need as quickly as possible:
- First degree. A first degree burn is a relatively mild injury. The skin will turn red, but it will not form blisters. This injury will be painful along the lines of a sunburn and will heal rather quickly.
- Second degree. More severe than a first degree burn, a second degree burn affects not just the outer layer of the skin but also some of the dermis, or the next layer. In addition to the redness of the skin, a second degree burn is very likely to develop blisters and will be very painful.
- Third degree. A very severe injury, a third degree burn will result in skin that appears charred or even white. In this type of burn, both the epidermis and the dermis are deeply damaged. This damage is irreversible.
Most minor burns can be easily and safely treated in the home, but if your parent has a large burn, the symptoms are severe, or you have any reason to believe that they are suffering a third degree burn, they need emergency medical attention immediately.
If you have noticed that the challenges of caring for your elderly parent have become too extensive for you to handle comfortably and confidently, your schedule has changed and limited your ability to manage your parent’s needs, or your parent’s needs have increased, now may be the ideal time for you to start home care for them. An in-home senior care services provider can be with your elderly parent on a schedule that is right for them and their needs, allowing you to care for them as much as is right for you and your elderly loved one. This enables them to receive a highly personalized set of services that will help them to stay safe, healthy, comfortable, and happy throughout their later years while also supporting their mental and emotional well-being, and as much independence as possible.
If you are considering home care in Schnecksville, PA, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Allentown. Call today at (610) 200-6097.
Source:
https://healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/First-Aid-For-Burns.aspx
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