Many seniors choose to age comfortably in their own homes as they approach their golden years. Some seniors, though, experience health issues along the way that call for specialized care. One such difficulty is oxygen therapy, which is frequently necessary for seniors with respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The good news is that skilled nursing care services can provide much-needed services, including oxygen therapy, to ensure seniors have everything they need to remain in their homes.
Understanding Oxygen Therapy
Giving oxygen at concentrations greater than those in the surrounding air is known as oxygen therapy. It helps seniors with respiratory conditions live better overall by reducing symptoms associated with low blood oxygen levels. This therapy integrates seamlessly into the daily routine of seniors who opt to age in place, fostering their independence and overall well-being.
Customized Treatment Programs
An extensive assessment of the senior’s lifestyle, health requirements, and home environment is the first step in skilled nursing. Nurses can create individualized care plans that address seniors’ needs for oxygen therapy as well as other aspects of their overall health by learning about their particular circumstances.
Typically, these care plans include:
Protocols for Oxygen Administration: Trained nurses know how to safely and effectively deliver oxygen therapy. To ensure compliance and reduce risks, they provide education to seniors and their caregivers on how to use oxygen delivery systems properly.
Observation and Evaluation: To effectively manage oxygen therapy, it is imperative to regularly monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, and respiratory status. When a senior’s condition changes, skilled nursing performs comprehensive assessments to identify the changes and promptly modify the treatment plan.
Medication Management: To control symptoms and avoid exacerbations, seniors with respiratory disorders frequently need to take medications. Skilled nursing can assist in setting up medication schedules, giving out prescriptions, and keeping an eye out for any negative reactions.
Assessments of Home Safety: For seniors receiving oxygen therapy, creating a secure home environment is essential. Skilled nursing professionals can identify potential risks in the home, make recommendations for adjustments or assistive technology, and teach seniors and their loved ones fall prevention techniques.
Ongoing Assistance and Instruction
Skilled nursing provides seniors and their families with ongoing support and education beyond the initial setup of oxygen therapy.
Ongoing services include the following:
Symptom Management: Even with oxygen therapy, seniors may still have intermittent respiratory symptoms. With skilled nursing in the home, caregivers gain valuable information they need to spot respiratory distress symptoms and act quickly.
Dietary Advice: A healthy diet is essential for maintaining respiratory health. Skilled nursing provides dietary advice specific to the senior’s condition, guaranteeing sufficient consumption of nutrients necessary for lung health and general well-being.
Emotional Support: A senior’s mental and emotional well-being may suffer as a result of having a chronic respiratory disease. When necessary, skilled nurses can refer patients to support groups or mental health specialists and offer emotional support and counseling.
As seniors age in place and receive oxygen therapy, skilled nursing care is essential to improving their well-being and quality of life through individualized care plans, ongoing support, and empowerment.
Sources: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/oxygen-therapy-101-193591.htm
https://hhcseniorservices.org/health-wellness/health-resources/health-library
If you or an aging loved one are considering Skilled Nursing Care Services in Fox Chapel PA please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, Squirrel Hill.
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