Learn more about CFSS in Minnesota
According to the CDC at the end of 2012, 1.2 million individuals over the age of 13 were living with HIV or AIDS in the United States. Even more interesting is that 1 in 8 of those individuals don’t know they have the disease. While most prevalent during the 1980s, HIV/AIDS is still a very real issue in America today. Great progress has been made to improve the standard of living for those affected by the disease. In addition, at-home care and PCA services can have great benefits for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Here at Best Home Care, we have helped a number of personal care assistants and family caregivers provide home care services for a loved one living with HIV/AIDS. While there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, the symptoms can be treated to allow individuals to comfortably continue their day-to-day life. In home supportive services compliment these treatments by fostering a health focused and supportive environment for the individual.
When it comes to providing HIV/AIDS home care, there are three areas that caregivers should focus on:
Proper Nutrition
Consuming healthy foods is essential to help maintain a strong immunes system and can even help treatments be more effective. As a caregiver, you should develop a meal plan that emphasizes healthy foods and always take care to prepare food properly and safely.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
HIV/AIDS patients are statistically more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol; which can interfere with treatment and lead to even more dangerous health problems. As a home caregiver, you should actively monitor your client for signs of excessive alcohol or drug use and guide them towards help if necessary.
Treatment
Treatments often include many different medications that can be confusing for a patient to keep track of and understand. As a personal care assistant, you should build a treatment plan that clearly shows what and when medications should be taken as well as tracking when they will need to be refilled.
HIV/AIDS home caregivers provide an invaluable service for their clients. Best Home Care is proud to support the work of these personal care assistants as they provide a better quality of life for the individuals they care for. Contact us today to learn more about home care giving services for HIV/AIDS or how our home care professionals can support you!
