As your dad gets older, the risk for six eye conditions increases. If he has any of them, his treatment plan may be something you can help with, but there are also eye conditions where home health care may be necessary.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration has no cure, but treatments can slow the progression. He needs to monitor his blood pressure and take blood pressure medications if they’ve been prescribed.
Your dad should stop smoking and change his diet to keep his cholesterol in the correct range. It may be worthwhile to have him work with home health care nurses specializing in a heart-healthy diet.
Cataracts
When the eyes develop a cloudy film over the lens, it’s known as cataracts. When this condition is causing vision loss, surgery is recommended. The surgery for cataracts isn’t difficult, but your dad may need to have a nurse with him for a day or two when he’s at home as he won’t have full vision and needs to make sure he is caring for his eyes correctly until they’ve healed.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can create problems within the blood vessels in the retina. It’s a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Management of his blood sugar levels is essential. If he’s new to diabetes care, working with a nurse that specializes in dietary changes and the use of insulin or diabetes medications can help your dad.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is very common with age, and it’s extremely irritating. It can feel like there is sand or an eyelash in your eyes, even though there isn’t. This is one eye condition where you should be able to help your dad.
He’ll likely need to take better care of his eyelids using gentle eyelid wipes or a soft cloth and eyelid wash. His eye doctor may recommend that he starts taking daily fish oil and flaxseed oil pills. His diet needs to include a variety of foods that contain fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure within the eye increases too much. It may be due to a blockage in the drainage canal, which may be corrected through laser treatments or surgery. Prescription eye drops are also used.
If he has high blood pressure, he needs to remember to take his medications and improve his diet. Home health care nurses can help him learn how to take his blood pressure and track it each day for his doctor.
Low Vision
Low vision occurs when your vision decreases to the point that glasses and contacts no longer help restore it. It’s usually linked to another eye disease, but it can also be the result of a traumatic brain injury or diseases like a stroke or Alzheimer’s.
With low vision, treatments may not work effectively. Your dad will need to stop driving, and he’s going to need help adjusting. His eye doctor will likely recommend he works with an occupational therapist to learn how to handle his vision loss. Home health care services can help arrange this.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care in Plano, TX please contact the caring staff at Arcy Healthcare today. Call (469) 293-1515
Providing In-Home Healthcare Services in Dallas, Plano, Lewisville, Gainesville, Frisco, Flower Mound, Denton, Dallas, Coppell, Carrollton, McKinney and surrounding areas.
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, MaximaCare Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (MaximaCare Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
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