Senior Health: UTI Signs Can Vary in the Elderly

Posted byGuy Tommasi, Jr.Posted inHome Care, Senior HealthTags:, ,
Home Care in Wallingford CT: Senior Health

Senior Health: The upper part of the urinary system includes the kidneys and ureters.

The two components of the lower urinary tract are the bladder and urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when any of those become infected. It is important to keep track of your senior’s symptoms for good senior health and hygiene.

Most UTIs are caught when they’re in the lower urinary tract. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can become dangerous. You probably associate a UTI with a fiery, burning pain when you go to the bathroom and a sensation that the bladder is still full even after going.

Signs of a UTI can be a little different in older adults. Pelvic pressure and abdominal discomfort are common. Some older adults with a UTI also exhibit less common symptoms.

Agitation

If your normally calm parent is suddenly agitated and lashing out, think about the chances of a UTI. The pain from a UTI may cause your mom or dad to behave differently than the norm. Pay attention to how often your parent is using the bathroom. If it’s excessive, it could be a sign of a UTI.

Confusion

Confusion alone isn’t enough to decide that a UTI is present, but it can be a sign. If your parent is usually logical and has clear thoughts, a sudden switch to being confused is important to address. It may not be a UTI, but it could be.

Even if it isn’t a UTI, sudden confusion must be addressed. If a UTI is suspected, a urine test will help pinpoint the presence of bacteria. A lab culture can determine what type of bacteria is present. That helps doctors know what antibiotic to prescribe.

Incontinence

When a UTI is present, your parent may have a hard time with bladder control. Leaks and accidents are more likely, especially if there is no bathroom close by.

Incontinence can also increase the risk of a UTI. If your parent is using pads for leaks, an unchanged pad can increase exposure to bacteria in that delicate area.

Withdrawal

Older adults tend to withdraw from others and become quieter and seek more time alone when they’re in pain or uncomfortable. A UTI may have your mom or dad withdrawing from normal social routines.

Social withdrawal is also a sign of depression. It’s important to have your parent see a doctor to rule out other health issues to ensure nothing slips by and goes untreated.

When UTIs become common occurrences, it may be time to talk to them about having senior health care aides to help with toileting and personal care. Home care aides can help your mom or dad clean up after using the toilet, assist with showers and baths, and assist in keeping pads stocked up if incontinence is an issue.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering hiring Homecare in Wallingford, CT, please contact the caring staff at LIFETIME Care at Home today! (203) 458-5990

Sources

Published by Guy Tommasi, Jr.

Guy Tommasi, Jr., is the Executive Director for LIFETIME Care at Home, the Non-Medical affiliate of VNA Community Healthcare and Hospice. His 38 year background spans the fields of hospital, home health and private non-medical home care systems. Under his leadership, LIFETIME Care at Home has earned awards for Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice, based on scores from client and caregiver satisfaction surveys conducted by HomeCare Pulse. Through the years, Guy has advocated for legislation to protect older adults in the community and championed the awareness of Private Duty Home Care as a partner in today’s healthcare system. He authored “The Value Proposition of Private Duty: What Stakeholders Across The Care Continuum Should Know” published in the January/February 2018 edition of The Remington Report. Guy holds a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT and a Master’s degree in Health Care Management from RPI, Troy, NY.