caring for a loved one with pneumonia

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Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia www.careanswers.com

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Here are some tips for taking care of a loved one with pneumonia at home.

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Page 1: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

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Page 2: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

According to the American Lung Association, next to influenza, pneumonia is ranked as the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.

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Page 3: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

• Typically, pneumonia exists when a patient’s immune system is weakened due to another illness, such as bronchitis or the flu. • Many people develop it in the hospital. • During the illness, seniors will need support from a caregiver.

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Page 4: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

If a loved one has the flu, watch for these warning signs which could develop into pneumonia:

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Seek immediate medical attention is a loved one has difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the abdomen or chest, confusion, abrupt dizziness and/or continual vomiting. Dehydration and a worsening of any other medical conditions, such as heart problems, emphysema or asthma, are also cause for alarm.

Page 5: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to treat a loved one at home to promote recovery.

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Here are some tips for taking care of a loved one with pneumonia at home:

Page 6: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

1. Give your loved one plenty of fluids and make sure he or she rests, saving strength for recovery. Fluids help loosen secretions so that the patient can bring up phlegm.2. Try to get your loved one to eat something that will build up his or her strength, such as lentil or chicken soup.3. Don’t let your loved one do any chores until he or she is stronger.

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Page 7: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

4. Give your loved one aspirin or acetaminophen to control any fever.5. Wash your hands before preparing your loved one’s food or touching him or her.6. Make sure no visitors have colds or coughs.7. Try propping your parent up in bed to see if that helps his or her breathing.

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Page 8: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

Nearly 1 in 5 people with pneumonia make costly, stressful return trips to the hospital within the first 30 days of being diagnosed with the condition.

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Individuals with pneumonia also are at a higher risk of having additional, underlying conditions that can make it more difficult to get better without assistance.

Page 9: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

Research shows that many of these rehospitalizations are potentially preventable through the use of proactive, team-based care-coordination programs.

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BrightStar Care is equipped with the expertise and passion to work with patients, families, and physicians to reduce the likelihood of hospital readmissions for individuals with pneumonia.

Page 10: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia

BrightStar Clinical Pathways for Pneumonia uses clinically proven methods to educate people with pneumonia and their families on the key aspects of the condition and how to monitor symptoms, adhere to a plan of care, take their medication, improve wellness, and stay healthy.

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Click here for more information.

Page 12: Caring for a Loved One with Pneumonia