Experts estimate that at least 1 in 5 women throughout the United States will experience a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. Among those who have one such infection, another 20 percent will experience a second infection. Among those, 30 percent will go on to have a third infection. For those women who have a third urinary tract infection, around 80 percent will continue to have recurrent infections. While women are far more likely to experience a UTI, men can and do develop these infections as well. As a family caregiver, it is important to recognize that these infections are uncomfortable, but they can also lead to very serious complications, including kidney infections. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of such an infection can help you to give your parent the care that they need to minimize the impact of such an infection and protect them from further issues.
Some of the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections for seniors include:
• Strong, frequent urge to urinate
• Burning or stinging sensation during urination
• Frequently urinating only a small amount
• Cloudy quality of urine
• Discoloration in the urine that makes it appear red, pink, or brown that might be an indication of the presence of blood in the urine
• Urine that has a strong smell that is not related to the foods that they ate
• Pelvic pain that appears in women
• Pain in the upper back
• Shaking or chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen
While these symptoms can appear in older adults, your senior is likely to experience symptoms that are not present in younger adults. These can include:
• Agitation
• Delirium
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Increased instance of falls or loss of balance that can cause them to bump or run into things and potentially cause injury
• Difficulty with motor skills
• Changes in their behavior or cognitive functioning
These symptoms can often be very stressful and worrisome for caregivers. You might immediately think that they are dealing with dementia or another form of cognitive decline. If you notice these symptoms and they appear suddenly, have them evaluated for a UTI before jumping to this conclusion.
If your elderly parent has been struggling with health problems that you feel need further attention or you have been looking for ways to improve their quality of life through additional assistance and support, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elderly care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your senior on a schedule that is right for their individual needs, challenges, and limitations, as well as the care that you give them already. This means that your parent will be able to remain safe, comfortable, healthy, and happy throughout their later years while also pursuing a lifestyle that is more active, engaged, and independent. Knowing that your senior has the highly personalized services of such a care provider can ease your caregiver stress and make you feel more at ease both when you are able to be with them and when you are not.
http://www.healthline.com/health/uti-in-elderly
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/urinary-tract-infections-elderly-146026.htm
http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections#1
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20037892
https://www.kidney.org/sites/default/files/uti.pdf
SOMETIMES A LITTLE HELP AROUND THE HOUSE AND A REGULAR COMPANION CAN BRIGHTEN A SENIOR’S LIFE. IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME ELDERLY CARE IN GLENDALE, AZ, CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY (623) 748-3301.