The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that elderly adults account for approximately 30 percent of the ambulance transports that occur each year, with more than 16 million older adults having to rely on EMS to bring them to the emergency room. As a family caregiver the thought of your parent needing to have this type of help can be frightening, but not preparing for it can leave them in a potentially dangerous situation.
May 21 through 27 is EMS Week, the ideal opportunity for you to refresh yourself on how to most effectively use the services of such a team so that you can help your parent get the most benefit from them throughout their later years. One of the most important things to keep in mind is how you can interact with the EMS properly in the event of an emergency to help them give your parent the best care.
Use these tips to work effectively with EMS in the event of an emergency with your loved one:
- Give your location clearly. The easier the EMS team is able to find your senior, the faster they can get to them and give them the care that they need. When you call for EMS, make sure to give your location clearly and thoroughly, including the street address and where you are located within the building or area, if pertinent.
- Describe the problem carefully. The EMS need to understand what is happening in order to be prepared to give your parent the care that they need when they arrive. Describe the problem that they are having carefully and give all details that might be important. This includes telling them if your parent is having any very serious symptoms, such as if they are unconscious, choking, or you believe that they are having a stroke or a heart attack. Be sure to mention that they are elderly.
- Stay calm. In everything that you say to the EMS, make sure that you stay as calm as possible. Being upset makes it harder for them to understand you and evaluate the situation, so try to stay calm, speak clearly, and stay on the line with them to follow instructions if asked to. When they arrive, get out of their way and allow them to do their work without interference.
Starting home care for your senior loved one can be a fantastic way to help them achieve and maintain a higher quality of life as they age in place. The completely customized scheduling and services of an elderly home care services provider mean that no matter what your aging parent needs or the level of care that is right for them, they can get exactly that at all times. Through a personalized set of services tailored specifically to them, an in-home senior care services provider can help your parent manage their daily needs effectively and in a way that saves time and energy, encourage them to engage more in the world around them, and provide safe and reliable transportation so that they can do the things that they need and want to do without always having to rely on you. If your senior is struggling with particular health issues or increased risk of safety concerns such as falls, knowing that they have access to a home care services provider can give you tremendous peace of mind. This care provider can help your parent to maintain their activity, engage in the activities that they enjoy, and maintain more of their independence and autonomy while also keeping them safe and secure when you are not able to be with them.
If you are considering home care in Whitehall, PA, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Allentown. Call today at (610) 200-6097.
Source: http://www.emsstrong.org/elderly-outreach-an-essential-part-of-ems-week/
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