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Questions to Ask Your Parent's Doctor About DVT Treatment Options

Serious medical issues like deep vein thrombosis (or DVT) become increasingly common as we age. As a caregiver, helping to prevent, identify and understand these medical issues is critical. In particular, deep vein thrombosis requires immediate treatment to prevent serious complications, including death. 

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

When blood moves too slowly through the body (due to lack of movement, medicaction, weight and other factors that become increasingly likely as we age), blood cells can clump together -- or clot -- in veins. When doctors find a clot inside your body, this is called deep vein thrombosis. 

Most often, deep vein thrombosis is found in the thigh, lower, leg or pelvis (although clots can technically form anywhere in the body). Swelling that arises without any known cause, warm pain in a specific area, red or blue skin, a portruding vein and pain when you stand or walk are some of the common warning signs of deep vein thrombosis. 

If a doctor has diagnosed Mom or Dad with DVT, it's important for you as the caregiver to understand next steps and offer necessary support to facilitate healing and provide care.

Mom or Dad may be overwhelmed or unable to ask the right questions to gather important information about care. Talking to their doctor and asking questions will give you the information that you need to work with them and their medical team to create a care approach that is best for them and their needs.

Some questions to ask your parents doctor about DVT treatment options include:

● What types of treatment options are available?
● Which treatment options are most appropriate for your senior?
● Why does the doctor believe that these are the most appropriate options?
● What is the medication that they have prescribed?
● What is the goal of that medication?
● How and when should your parent take these medications?
● How long will they be on these medications?
● Are compression stockings a viable option for your parent?
● Should your parent change or increase therapies when they might be at increased risk, such as when they are ill or after a surgery?
● Can your parent still travel during treatment for DVT?
● Can your parent still exercise during treatment for DVT?
● What types of exercise are most appropriate for a senior with DVT?
● Will the clot need to be removed?
● What treatments can be done to reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome?
● What should you look out for during treatment to ensure that your parent returns to the doctor if there is a problem?

New health challenges or medical issues can tax an already stressed or overburdened caregiver. If your schedule has changed, new medical challenges make providing care increasingly difficult or your simply understand that Mom or Dad needs more care than you can provide alone, it may be time to consider home care as a supplement to the care you provide your loved one.

Home care can help you care for Mom or Dad with DVT and other medical issues.

An in-home senior care services provider can be there for your loved one at the most convenient time and to provide the best level of care. Home care can empower your loved one to pursue a lifestyle that is as active, engaged, independent, and fulfilling as possible. For you, knowing that they have access to this care can ease your stress and help you to feel more confident about your parent's health and well-being throughout their later years. 

Learn more about home care services from Interim HealthCare, then contact your nearest location to get started.