Chronic Illnesses

Residents especially the elderly, become more prone to different kinds of diseases whether acute or chronic. Many of these chronic diseases may affect specific organs such as the liver, kidneys and many others.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis which means scarring of the liver is an example of such chronic illness, which can dangerously affect the resident. Cirrhosis not only scars the liver but also result to toxic waste build-up since the liver is unable to function normally. The liver serves as a filter of by-products or chemicals caused by metabolism or what we eat in order for wastes to not go into the body system. Due to scarring, the ability of the liver also reduces which later leads to failure of the liver to function then hemorrhage from vein rupture in the esophagus.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease on the other hand can result to failure of kidneys. If the resident has kidney failure, then dangerous complications may arise such as congestion of the heart, generalized infection and many others.

Special care for residents with chronic diseases should be applied which includes observation, prompt reporting, adhering to the needs of the resident and keeping safety measures. Make sure that there are no kinks in the resident’s intravenous fluid sites, feeding tubes, air tubes and many others.

Residents from surgery should be monitored closely especially in his tolerance to pain the condition of their surgical sites. If the resident has fluid or food restrictions, strictly follow it as it can prevent them from other complications.

Report any signs of vomiting, change in the patient’s skin color, not normal urine and stool, and many others since they could be signs of other complications. When dealing with blood and body fluids be sure to always protect yourself by following the facility’s protocol safety measures. Provide the necessary need of the resident such as oral care, pain relief and adequate rest.