Matters to be considered in Home Care Patients in Coronavirus outbreak ...

 Tighter monitoring of the vital values ​​and general conditions of home care patients is required during coronavirus days. Experts argue that fever, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure measurements will benefit at least once a day or more often. Nowadays, weight measurement and follow-up once a week can give an idea about the nutritional status.

  

Disease patterns may differ in elderly people who are given home care. The findings generally seen in adult individuals from infectious diseases are not different. The most common complaints in patients with coronavirus are fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

However, in patients with more than one chronic disease (such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease…), who use many drugs, and delicate (fragile) elderly (slow walking, weakness, and disability), this disease may not have the expected fever, cough, shortness of breath or sputum. Many older people who are cared for may also have health problems, such as dementia (Alzheimer's), stroke, cancer, and Parkinson's, where the patient may experience difficulties in self-expression. The caregiver or family member may have coronavirus disease without mild or any complaints and pass it on to his patient without realizing it. Therefore, the underlying cause in a home-care patient, whose general condition appears to be a disruption, may be caused by infection and should be considered for coronavirus, especially these days.

MAKING 1 WEIGHT  MEASUREMENT PER WEEK CAN MAKE IDEAS ABOUT NUTRITIONAL STATUS

Beginning signs of the disease are beginning consciousness (consciousness) turbidity and changes, rapid breathing (25 and above), increased pulse (100 and above), or systolic (large) blood pressure 90 and below and diastolic (small) blood pressure 60 and below can. In addition, weakness, muscle aches, and low-temperature fever (37 ° C and 38 ° C) can also be seen.

Tighter monitoring of the vital values ​​and general conditions of home care patients in this period seems necessary. Fever, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure measurements will be helpful at least once a day or more often. Nowadays, weight measurement and follow-up once a week can give an idea about the nutritional status. In addition, the patient's appetite, walking, balance, and state of consciousness should be followed closely. Recently, there may be symptoms related to the decrease in appetite and fluid intake, falling, urinary incontinence, and an increase in fatigue.

It is important for home care patients to apply to the nearest healthcare facility if such symptoms are detected by caregivers or family members.