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Caring for people who suffer from obesity is not a complex task because of the weight gain itself, but mostly because of some of the associated medical conditions that can affect bigger people. Mobility issues in a person of any weight can complicate the home care provider’s task.
On top of that, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint problems are just a few of the most common complaints of people affected by obesity. Depression and other psychological issues can also be common. This is why professional, comprehensive home care services are frequently required to ensure that a larger person receives the necessary medical attention they need.
If you or your loved one suffers from obesity and need specialized, high-quality personal care services, you may want to contact a home care provider such as Best Care to find out how they can design an individual home care plan for you.
Obesity is defined by using the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI correlates a person’s height and weight. Medical professionals make a distinction between being overweight and obese. A BMI between 25 and 30 indicates an overweight person, while a BMI above 30 suggests the diagnosis of obesity.
Although there is much advancement in the field of weight treatment, with some drugs that inhibit appetite and new surgical techniques that restrict the stomach volume, a low-fat diet and exercise remain the most effective and the safest options for obesity management. No new or radical weight loss treatments should be pursued without the express advice and support of your medical professional. Professional home care services can also help with improving the quality of life of someone with limited mobility or health issues, due to obesity.
Some patients may have problems moving around the house or even performing self-care actions, which is a good indication of the necessity for personal care. A home care provider can also offer reminders for engaging in regular activities and maintaining a healthier diet.
More important than body weight itself are the metabolic implications of obesity. Fat accumulation can result in high blood cholesterol that may lead to heart disease and stroke. Obese people are therefore at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes because of their metabolism.
Additionally, because of the excessive tension placed on the joints, degenerative and inflammatory processes can affect these individuals. Osteoarthritis and other joint diseases are very common in people living with obesity.
This range of potentially associated conditions requires careful attention from the caregiver, whose task is to help provide medication reminders and diet/exercise reminders. Recipients of care with certain health conditions might need frequent visits to the doctor for various checkups and blood tests. They may also struggle with fatigue and pain and therefore need extra support around the house for daily domestic tasks, as with any person with mobility issues.
For heavier people, there is not just the medical side to take on, but also the mental side. Body shaming and negative perceptions of larger people can cause a lack of motivation and loss of confidence that can discourage people from seeking further treatment that they might need. An in-home care provider, however, can help make this mission significantly easier by providing well-structured, kind, professional personal care to their recipients of care.
For more information on how to get started with a PCA for your loved one, why not speak to a member of the Best Care team?
We are more than happy to answer any questions you might have about where to begin!
