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“Cardinal Health sent me this product to try, and donated to a charity of my choice.

I took care of my mom in my home for 15 years. We moved mom in without much thought of what was to come or how it would change our lives. Did you know that nearly 40 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult? Bringing a family member into your home for in-home-care is getting to be more the norm. You need to consider several factors before make your decision.

1. How much care will the parent need? Are they independent or do they need someone with them? Will it work with your schedule?I worked a split shift so I was able to come home at lunch and make sure mom ate her lunch. When she first moved in she was fairly independent. Towards the end, mom was totally dependent. I can honestly say I didn’t think that far ahead or think she would live with us for 15 years and need total care.

2. Will or can the parent contribute financially to the household? You need to make adjustments in your time and home who will pay for it? Having another person in your home adds extra expenses. Things you may not think about like food, water, and heat. We had to keep the house warmer with mom she would get cold easier than my husband or I. Decide the finances ahead of time!

3. Get the whole family involved. Make sure you talk to all of the family. Find out how much time they are able to give in the caretaking of mom or dad. Honestly, I think in families most give what they can. Some can and are more willing to do more than others. My sister and I finally were able to work out a schedule. It helped.

4. Does everyone get along? Oh my this is a biggie! Make sure you can live with your parent. Can the rest of those living in your house live with them? Believe me, it is no fun when there is that extra tension in the situation.

5. Get to know what your resources are. Contact your local Agency on Aging to see what services are available in your area. For medical supplies, Cardinal HealthTM whose products and services are the most used in hospitals in the U.S.A. and have been around for over 100 years have recently launched a line of at-home care products. My mother started getting pressure sores toward the end of her life they are the second most common patient safety incident:  Did you know they happen in nearly 36 for every 1,000 hospitalizations? They came quickly and we had to run all over the place looking for certain bandages. If I had known about Cardinal HealthTM it would have saved so much running around and trying to figure out what we needed and which brand to buy.

I was given the opportunity to sample the Advanced Wound Care products. These products offer long-lasting protection and help provide a moist environment, which helps promote wound healing.

Advanced Wound Care package contained:

Transparent Dressing contains five water-resistant thumb tab style dressings and is ideal for local wounds such as blisters, minor cuts and scrapes, minor burns, and minor surgical wounds.

Hydrocolloid Dressings  Contains four 2 in. x 2 in., water-resistant hydrocolloid dressings. Under the supervision of a health care professional may be used for diabetic, venous and arterial ulcers (common types of leg and foot ulcers and early stage bedsores (stage I and II pressure ulcers).

Silicone Bordered Foam Dressing Contains five 3 in. x 3 in. dressings that absorb moderate-to-heavy drainage and are easy to apply and remove

Protective Underpads contains 10 extra-large 31 in. x 36 in. premium absorbent protection underpads

Vinyl Exam Gloves contains 40 comfortable and lightweight, one-size fits most gloves that fit either hand.

They also offer  full assortment of hospital-quality products to consumers, First Aid, Personal Care, and Home Healthcare products.

Each year, 46.1 million inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures take place,– so proper post-hospital care is critical to avoid re-admission.

“For more product information and indications for use, visit Cardinal HealthTM

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Would you consider taking care of a family member or friend in your home?