More than 7.6 million Americans receive home care, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Home care generally includes non-medical support services delivered at the home of the senior citizen. For seniors, the aim of home care is to allow them to remain in the comfort of their home. Caring for a senior citizen requires patience, kindness and respect; however, senior citizens are perhaps more vulnerable to receiving this quality care, especially when it comes to home health services.

Many senior patients will let you know their difficulty level of blood draw and will reiterate how the process tends to make them nervous. They typically know areas on their body that have worked better than others and will tell you. In this case it is always preferable to accommodate the patient, unless the area is badly bruised from previous draws. In this case, a good phlebotomist will ask their permission to try elsewhere.

A phlebotomist’s role requires a professional, courteous, and understanding manner in all contacts with any patient but especially with seniors. This includes greeting the senior and talking directly to them and discussing the procedure that will take place. This effective communication - both verbal and nonverbal - is essential to putting the patient at ease. Respect should always be given to the patient and this is easily accomplished with a smile and taking a few extra moments to listen to the patient and address any concerns they may have.

Elderly patients tend to have very fragile skin and this requires special attention. Following are key tips a phlebotomist should follow when taking a blood draw for a senior citizen:

o A tourniquet should be carefully used as not to tear or break the skin.

o Because of the loose skin typically seen on the elderly, a phlebotomist will need to take extra care to insure that the vein is secure before inserting the needle

o Keep the bevel up and keep the skin tight with one hand. The insertion of needle should be one smooth motion.

o CoFlex bandages and paper tape should be used taking in account for fragile skin

o The Phlebotomist should inform the patient that a bandage/tape typically stays on for only ½ hour.

o To ensure all bleeding has stopped before leaving the patient.

More information about senior care and phlebotomy can be found on my blog.