Many people think of liver disease as a health condition that only affects those who have been heavy alcohol drinkers their entire lives, so they ignore the symptoms that present themselves when their loved ones have them, because their loved one has never been a big drinker. But liver disease can affect anyone, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. Understanding the symptoms and taking action when they appear is the best way you can help your elderly loved one get the help he needs if he develops liver disease. Assistance from a personal care at home provider can support them with the extra care they need.
The Liver’s Main Function
The liver is an organ that is positioned under the rib cage on the right side of the body. Its main function is to assist in digesting food, help the body eliminate waste products, and create clotting factors, which help keep the blood flowing. Without a healthy liver, a person can develop cirrhosis of the liver, a life-threatening condition.
Liver Disease Symptoms
Not every person with liver disease will exhibit all of these symptoms, and some people won’t exhibit any symptoms, but if your loved one has several of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment in the near future for a thorough check-up.
- A belly that feels constantly swollen and painful.
- Swollen legs and ankles
- Jaundice. Jaundice occurs when a person’s skin and the white of their eyes begin to appear yellow. It happens when a buildup of excessive bilirubin is present. Bilirubin happens when there is a breakdown in the red blood cells.
- Itchy skin
- Extreme fatigue
- Bruising easily
- Recurring nausea
- Loss of appetite
Liver Disease Risk Factors
The following conditions can all increase your loved one’s risk for developing liver disease.
- Infections such as Hepatitis A, B, or C.
- Autoimmune diseases that attack the liver. If your elderly loved one has a different autoimmune disease, it may increase their risk of developing a liver-focused autoimmune condition.
- Liver cancer.
- A family history of liver diseases such as Wilson’s disease or Hemochromatosis.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in which fats build up within the liver.
- Having type 2 diabetes.
- Long-term alcohol use.
- Obesity
- Some prescriptions can increase the risk.
Getting Your Loved One Some Personal Care at Home Assistance
Being diagnosed with a serious health issue like liver disease can be scary as well as overwhelming. While your loved one will work with his doctor about what his next best steps are to treat his liver disease, there may be things at home that he’ll need extra help with as he takes this journey.
Getting some personal care at home providers can help your loved one focus more on his health and not worry about all of the details and responsibilities of maintaining his home, and even his care at home. A provider who offers personal care at home can step in and assist your loved one with meals so that he’s eating well and following his doctor’s guidelines, as well as help him with other personal care needs at home, like bathing, grooming, and even keeping his home clean. Your loved one will have a lot on his plate if he is diagnosed with liver disease. With personal care at home providers, he will have the support he needs.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home Services in Madera, CA, please get in touch with the caring staff at A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. today. Call (559) 224-9442.
A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Fresno, Clovis, Sunnyside, Fowler, Reedley, Selma, Sanger, Madera, CA, and surrounding areas.
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