Recognizing and treating a urinary tract infection as soon as possible is incredibly important for seniors. All too quickly a common UTI can turn into a kidney infection or another complication. The tricky part is that seniors don’t always have the typical symptoms of a UTI. That’s why it’s so important to manage and prevent bladder infections. Personal care at home offers seniors the help that they need to stay as healthy as possible.
Get Plenty of Fluids
Seniors are at greater risk of dehydration, so it’s vital for them to get plenty of fluids anyway. But if they’re dealing with issues like incontinence, often seniors might mistakenly believe that they need to limit their water intake. Home care providers can help aging adults to remember to drink plenty of water, ensuring that their bodies are able to flush bacteria out of their bladders and kidneys.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet means a healthy immune system, which is another important factor in avoiding UTIs. Avoiding processed foods and unhealthy food options, like fast food, is a good idea. Seniors might not feel up to preparing healthy meals, however, which can be a problem. Senior care providers can take over those tasks, making sure that they’re eating a nutritious diet every day.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Often aging adults find that it’s more difficult to manage good hygiene than it was in the past. Health issues and mobility problems can be some of the biggest culprits. Personal care at home enables seniors to have help with essential hygiene, which can reduce the likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection.
Manage Incontinence Properly
Incontinence can be another big concern for seniors. Changing absorbent pads and underwear frequently helps to reduce the risk of infections. Seniors who are having trouble managing personal care tasks like changing clothes might find this difficult, however. Caregivers can be there to offer the help they need.
Schedule Bathroom Breaks
As people age, their bodies may not communicate essential needs to them in the same ways they did in the past. That can mean that recognizing the need for a trip to the bathroom takes longer than it used to. When that happens, bacteria can build up in the bladder and lead to an infection. An easy way to manage this is for seniors to start scheduling bathroom breaks, even if they think they don’t need to go. This helps to keep their bladders emptier.
Get Regular Medical Check-ups
Because symptoms of a UTI can be different for elderly people, it’s important to stay up to date on medical check-ups. Doctors are able to recognize any unusual symptoms and rule out problems like a UTI very easily. When seniors do have an infection, earlier treatment means that they also recover earlier and are at a reduced risk of further complications.
Staying aware of the possible issues related to UTIs helps seniors to get the care that they need. Personal care at home can be there when family caregivers can’t, ensuring that aging adults are as healthy as possible and getting help to avoid bladder infections and other issues.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable personal care at home in Hoschton, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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