Elder Care in Cumming GA

Oral health care and maintenance should be one of the primary focuses of your elder care efforts for your aging loved one. While it may seem like just one aspect of care, it is actually something that can impact all areas of your elderly loved one’s health and wellbeing. Decay, trauma, or illness in the mouth can lead to tooth loss, infections, and increased risk of health complications throughout the body including heart disease and digestive problems. The main focus of your oral health care for your parent should be preventative care including brushing his teeth and flossing. It is likely, however, that you will encounter the need for your parent to undergo dental treatment at some point in his aging years. One of the most common is a root canal. March 27 through April 2 is Root Canal Awareness Week, an ideal opportunity for you to learn more about this procedure so that you are ready in the event that your loved one has to undergo such treatment.

Use these tips to help your parent prepare for a root canal:

• Explain the procedure. Help to reduce your parent’s anxiety about undergoing the procedure by making sure that he understands it completely. Go over why it needs to be done and what will happen during the procedure so that he feels more in control
• Do not let him take pain medications beforehand. Your parent might get the recommendation to take some pain medication before going in for his procedure, but it is important that you do not permit this. He needs to be able to express where he is feeling pain and some medications can impact bleeding and other elements that could put your parent in danger
• Be upfront about other medications. Be sure that the dentist who is performing the procedure knows all medications that your loved one is taking. This includes antibiotics, pain medications, blood thinners, and any over the counter medications he takes regularly. Some of these medications can cause serious issues related to the procedure

Once your parent has gotten through his treatment, use these tips to help him recover fully:

• Wait to eat. Be sure that your parent waits until the numbness of the surgical area wears off before allowing him to eat or drink anything. This will help to prevent choking or biting of the tongue or cheeks
• Do not immediately use the tooth. Avoid using the teeth closest to the root canal treatment area to bite or chew until cleared by the dentist. This can cause further damage and may require more extensive treatment
• Care for the teeth as usual. Be sure your parent follows the dentist’s guidelines for caring for his teeth after the procedure. These guidelines usually include brushing and flossing like normal
• Be aware of side effects. Make sure that you or your parent’s elderly health care services provider is with your parent for the first two to three days after the procedure to pay attention to effects from the medication. If he starts to experience itching, hives, or difficulty breathing, get in touch with medical treatment as quickly as possible.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care services in Cumming, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Source: http://www.aae.org/patients/your-office-visit/post-treatment-care.aspx

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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