Steps You Can Take To Prevent Falls One of the first steps in creating a safe home environment is to assess the elderly patient’s living space thoroughly. Begin by identifying common hazards such as: • loose rugs • cluttered walkways • inadequate lighting Each of these factors poses significant risk factors for trips and falls. Ensure all walking pathways are clear and any rugs are secured to the floor and do not have thick or elevated edges or have been removed. Increasing lighting in dim areas and installing night lights in hallways and bathrooms are essential to enhance visibility and safety. 
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 Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are the most common infection in elderly adults. Left untreated, UTIs, an infection in any part of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra) can lead to serious health issues. Repercussions of UTIs, particularly in older adults, can include kidney infection and damage, sepsis, and changes in behavior or confusion.
Knowing the early signs to look for and understanding the causes and steps to prevent UTIs is essential for older adults and caregivers; seeking prompt treatment can be vital to protecting yourself or your loved one from progressing symptoms and potentially severe health impacts. Detect Early; Know the Symptoms Data shows that UTIs result in more than 8 million doctor visits yearly in the United States. Awareness of UTIs and knowing what symptoms to look out for are great ways to protect you or your loved one’s overall health. Symptoms of UTIs can vary from person to person, particularly in men and older adults. Some individuals are at a higher risk for UTIs, particularly those with limited mobility, a weakened immune system, or urinary tract obstructions from conditions like an enlarged prostate or kidney stones. Early detection and treatment of UTIs is important and can help to avoid more severe health impacts. Common Symptoms to Watch for Include:
Other UTI Signs to Be Alert to Include:
Common Causes of Urinary Tract Infections While UTIs are common among both males and females, women experience UTIs at a higher rate, up to 30 times more frequently than men, according to the Office on Women’s Health. Older adults are more likely to develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) than younger people due to several risk factors, including:
Be Proactive – Reduce the Risk Caregivers are crucial in identifying the early signs and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in elderly patients. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk:
References: George Washington Milken School of Public Health. (2023, May). Bacteria from Meat Likely to Cause More than Half a Million Urinary Tract Infections in the U.S. Every Year. Health, M. S. (n.d.). Accessed Sept., 26, 2024 Rowe TA, Juthani-Mehta M. Urinary tract infection in older adults. Aging health. 2013 Oct;9(5):10.2217/ahe.13.38. doi: 10.2217/ahe.13.38. PMID: 24391677; PMCID: PMC3878051. Dutta C, Pasha K, Paul S, Abbas MS, Nassar ST, Tasha T, Desai A, Bajgain A, Ali A, Mohammed L. Urinary Tract Infection Induced Delirium in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 Dec 8;14(12):e32321. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32321. PMID: 36632270; PMCID: PMC9827929. Do Cranberries Help Treat UTIs? – Doctor On Demand. https://doctorondemand.com/blog/health/do-cranberries-help-treat-utis/
PCAs play an important role in ensuring adequate hydration and good hygiene, lessening the likelihood of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and associated complications. UTIs are the second most common cause of hospitalizations in the elderly population and are are often serious enough to cause complications, such as death, if left untreated. Incontinence and urinary retention complications are the most common causes of UTIs.
PCAs and homemakers assume responsibility for providing meals and fluids. They do grocery shopping and prepare meals, as well as complete light housekeeping, including laundry, and other household tasks that keep older adults safe in their homes.. It is often found that seniors without support experience weight loss, particularly those who are unable to shop, prepare food, or feed themselves. We know that nutrition plays a critical role in the health and well-being of our elders. Having a companion to talk to and socialize with is a crucial factor for stability in older adults. Nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Loneliness has been linked to numerous risks including depression and suicide, dementia, anxiety, heart failure, and stroke. Regular companionship, such as that experienced with a PCA in the household, can promote wellness and cognitive engagement. The familiarity and comfort of home lessens distress for elders with cognitive and mobility problems. |
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