Most Common Infections in the Elderly
When caring for a senior citizen in your life, it is crucial to help keep them as healthy as possible. There are numerous ways you can do this, but in this day and age, one of the best ways is to help them prevent infections. There are many common infections in the elderly that you should know about.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Elder Care Winter Garden, FL: Common Infections
Just about everyone knows about pneumonia. It is quite common in the elderly. When bacteria gets into the lungs, it caused inflammation and fluid build-up in the air sacs, making it very tough to breathe. This is a problem because it makes it difficult for the patient to breathe. This condition is the leading cause of hospital inpatient stays for senior citizens. If you or an elder care provider notice your elderly loved one has weakness, loss of appetite, dizziness, confusion, a cough, or a fever, they could have bacterial pneumonia.
Influenza
Influenza, the flu, is another common infection in the elderly. It can spread very quickly through sneezing and coughing. Unfortunately, elderly people often hang out with other elderly people, which makes it even more dangerous being that senior citizens get quite sick from the flu. If your elderly loved one has confusion, weakness, lethargy, behavior changes, a higher fever, or a cough, they could have the flu.
Skin Infections
Did you know that the tiniest scrapes or cuts could become infected. This happens quite often in senior citizens. If you or an elderly care provider notice any ulcers, unusual marks, rashes, cuts, or scrapes on your elderly loved one, make sure these look okay. If there is redness, itching, or pain, they could have a skin infection.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are quite common in senior citizens, too. Some symptoms that your elderly loved one might have if they get a UTI include weight loss, confusion, loss of appetite, and incontinence. Many times UTIs cause a senior citizens to end up in the hospital as the infection can spread to their bladder and kidneys.
Gastrointestinal Infections
Many people get sick with gastrointestinal infections. Unfortunately, in the elderly, they may get extremely sick from vomiting, fevers, and the general symptoms of gastrointestinal infections. If you are caring for your elderly loved one and notice they have symptoms of a GI infection, make sure you ask their doctor what should be done. If you or an elder care provider notice your elderly loved one’s symptoms get worse, you should take them to the ER.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common infections in the elderly. Now that you know more about these infections and the symptoms of them, you can watch out for signs of them in your elderly loved one. If they do get one of these infections, make sure they get the treatment needed as soon as possible. The longer they wait to get treatment, the more severe the condition can become.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering elder care in Winter Garden, FL please contact the caring staff at Winter Garden Senior Home Care today. (407) 347-2050
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11201692/
Founder / Owner
Jennifer Talbot is the Co-Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care in Winter Garden Florida.The business opened on Plant Street in October of 2007 (formally known as Age Advantage).
Jennifer remains active in the business and enjoys personally meeting with families looking for professional, classy caregivers. She prides herself in taking the time to listen and appreciate the personalities and life experiences of people who wish to “age in place”.Her unique ability to match people with their ideal caregiver, combined with a strong sense of service is what makes her business so successful.
Mrs. Talbot is a current member and past president of the Winter Garden Rotary Club, past president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, active West Orange Chamber member, Recipient of the “Spirit of West Orange” Award 2017, Past Business Networking International Growth Coordinator, Past Committee member and founder of South Lake’s HINT, sustainer member of the West Orange Junior Service League, past board member for AGED, advisory board member for Elder Advocates, a United States Air Force brat, and proud mother of two college graduates.
Rebecca Lanterman
Owner
Rebecca has worked in the Central Florida medical community for over 10 years.She is a native of Winter Garden, Florida andhas a driving passion to serve our seniors.It has been said that Rebecca never meets a stranger.Her experience has been in Hospice, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities where she faithfully served as a community liaison helping residents and families understand the myriad of long term care and healthcare options.
Rebecca is the mom of a little guy who is the twinkle of her eye.She can often be heard telling stories of traveling all around the country pulling her camper.To Rebecca, to live life is to touch it and experience it.Growing up in Central Florida afforded her some unique experiences like being a part of the “Magic” at Walt Disney World where she was a Walt Disney World Spirit Ambassador.She feels that this early indoctrination by The Walt Disney Company helped her understand the true value of serving others.To this day, she still has some of that Pixie Dust.Rebecca has also accomplished countless marathons and triathlons. After the sudden loss of her dad, her training partner, in 2012 she stepped away from the sport.But, as time has passed and healing has taken place, she is back to pursuing their dreams again.This time, her dad, her trusty training partner is keeping pace in her heart.It is from that willingness and drive that Rebecca has a keen understanding of the arduous and often treacherous course that our families are on.And, she is here to come along beside you and be with you each step, each stride, and each hurdle.It’s the old adage “life is a marathon and not a sprint”.She is here along with the team at Winter Garden Senior Home Care to be a part of your journey.
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