Senior Home Care for CVI Patients
Posted on: 2 March 2022
Chronic venous insufficiency, also known as CVI, causes the blood to "pool" or collect in your leg veins, which is known as stasis. CVI often develops as a result of a condition called deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the legs. It can also be the result of tumors in the pelvic region and certain abnormalities of the vascular system.
Symptoms of CVI may be mild, however, some people may experience extreme swelling in the lower extremities, severe leg pain, limited mobility, and varicose veins. It may also raise the risk of developing venous stasis ulcers, which are wounds caused by poor venous circulation. Here are some interventions a senior home care provider can perform to enhance leg circulation and lower the risk for stasis ulcers if you have CVI.
Circulation Interventions
Your senior home care provider can help you with a number of interventions that will help promote optimal circulation so that your blood flows more efficiently. For example, if you have difficulty ambulating on your own, your caregiver can stand next to you while you walk and provide you with ambulation aids such as a walker or cane. Even short or slow walks can help improve circulation to relieve pain and heaviness in your legs.
The senior home care provider can also recommend types of compression stockings to further promote blood flow. Compression stockings gently compress or squeeze your legs to help venous blood move more efficiently. Putting compression stockings on can be challenging for those with leg pain, limited mobility, or poor range of motion. It is essential that they are put on correctly because if they are worn incorrectly, they may worsen leg pain and hinder optimal circulation. If you are unable to put on your compression stockings, the caregiver can do it for you so that they work properly and feel comfortable.
Stasis Ulcer Treatment
The caregiver can also administer wound care for your stasis ulcers. If you are unable to care for your stasis ulcers because of pain or limited mobility, they may be slow to heal and become infected.
The in-home caregiver will perform your wound treatments in accordance with your doctor's orders and will notify them of your progress. In addition to wound care, the caregiver can administer antibiotics if the stasis ulcer becomes infected, and will ensure that you maintain proper nutrition to further promote wound healing.
If you have chronic venous insufficiency and are unable to manage your care, contact a senior home care agency to discuss your needs. When CVI is well-managed, you may be more likely to experience longer symptom-free periods so that you can participate in the activities that you enjoy.
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