The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment of DVT in Seniors

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a very serious medical condition that tends to affect primarily older adults. The condition occurs when blood clots form in the deeper veins in the body, which are located mostly in the legs. Blood clots can become life-threatening if they break loose and travel to the lungs. Developing a plan to manage DVT is essential, and in-home care providers can help.

Symptoms of DVT

DVT typically forms in the legs, which is where symptoms tend to be most obvious. Redness and warmth in the area, swelling in the leg, and pain or tenderness in the leg are the most common symptoms. These symptoms don’t tend to present until later, however, so DVT can be difficult to diagnose early. Detecting DVT as early as possible is crucial so that clots are detected and treated before they have a chance to break away and migrate to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Even small changes should be mentioned to a senior’s doctor for further investigation.

What Causes DVT?

There isn’t just one cause for DVT. Surgery and hormone therapies are common causes. But seniors who are much more sedentary than they used to be are at a much greater risk of developing DVT. There are lots of reasons that seniors might be less mobile, including difficulty walking and other health issues. In-home care providers can help seniors to adopt a more active lifestyle if that’s what they are cleared to do by their doctors.

Treating DVT

The most common treatment for DVT is anticoagulant medications. These are medications that reduce the risk of clot formation. Some of these medications have other side effects that need to be monitored regularly. Seniors may also need to wear compression socks or stockings to help with circulation and reducing clot formation. Home care providers can help to make these treatment methods easier to manage on a daily basis. Elevating the legs when seated can also help to reduce swelling. The ideal position is to raise the foot higher than the hip, which allows gravity to help blood flow to move from the calf back into the lower legs and upper body. This prevents blood from pooling in the lower legs.

Living Well with DVT

Seniors who are at a high risk for DVT or who are already dealing with this condition can still live a happy and full life. Getting to follow-up appointments with their doctors, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and remembering to exercise as recommended all help quite a lot. Walking regularly, elevating legs, and being alert for worsening symptoms are also important. In-home care providers can help seniors to establish routines that support living well with DVT.

Staying alert to symptoms and potential complications is vital when a senior is at high risk of developing DVT. Detecting DVT early and getting treatment plans in place as fast as possible reduces risk factors and can improve quality of life significantly. Help from in-home care providers can make DVT treatment easier on everyone caring for the patient.

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Aurora, CO, contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts At Home Denver Metro today. Call 303-625-7557

Touching Hearts At Home Denver Metro is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Aurora, Parker, Centennial, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Greenwood Village, Castle Rock, Glendale, and the surrounding areas.