Talking to Your Senior About a Lung Biopsy

Elder Care in Osakis MN: Talking to Your Senior About a Lung Biopsy

A lung biopsy is an exploratory procedure used to provide the doctor with information about abnormalities in the lungs. This test can reveal the presence of lung cancer and infections, as well as provide insight into issues such as inflammation and fluids. While common, this procedure can sound frightening to your parent. Talking to them about this test can help both of you feel more confident going into this procedure and knowing what to do next

Some details to discuss with your parent when they are preparing for a lung biopsy include:

• Make sure they understand why. It is important that your parent understands why they are going to be undergoing a lung biopsy. Explain to them what the doctor saw that they want to know more about as well as what the doctor wants to find out about them through this test so that they can feel confident and in control of the process.

• Explain the process. Explain to your parent how the procedure is performed, including the fact that they will be sedated, so that they are not as anxious about the process. If you are not sure how the procedure is performed, ask their doctor to talk to them about it.

• Talk about the risks. You might worry that talking about any potential risks could be frightening, but the truth is that acknowledging these risks can help your parent to better understand what they are going to undergo and how they can better protect themselves. Some of the risks involved in this type of procedure include infection, bleeding, and collapse of the lung.

• Prepare for aftercare. Talk to your parent about the care that they will receive after the procedure as well as if they learn about a disease or other health challenge. Talk about their care network, including an elder care provider, and how they will cope with whatever happens.

If you have been considering ways to improve your aging parent’s quality of life, boost their mental and emotional well-being, and support efforts to protect their health as they age in place, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elder care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they have continued access to the care that they need. These highly personalized services can include safe and reliable transportation to support activity and independence, medication and treatment reminders to help your parent stay compliant, assistance with personal care needs, mobility assistance, help with activities of daily living, and companionship. As their family caregiver, this can give you tremendous peace of mind knowing that whether you are with your parent or not, they will get everything they need to live their highest quality of life.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/basics/prevention/con-20025531
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/statistics/index.htm
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/lung-needle-biopsy#overview1

If you or an aging loved-one are considering elder care in Osakis, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350.