Caregivers in Juno Beach FL
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common forms of infections. Though women are approximately four times as likely to get a urinary tract infection as men, men can and do develop these infections. It is also important to note that people of all ages are susceptible to these infections. Older adults, however, may be particularly vulnerable. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that older people tend to have immune systems that are not as effective as younger people and may struggle with challenges and limitations that prevent them from being able to handle personal care tasks that help prevent such infections. As a family caregiver it is important that you are able to recognize the potential signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection so that you can get your parent the care that they need as soon as possible. While most UTIs are relatively minor and can be resolved quickly using antibiotics, some can worsen rapidly and spread through the urinary tract, getting into the kidneys and leading to potentially serious consequences. The particular symptoms suffered by elderly adults can also put them at serious risk of other issues, including delirium. Some of the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection include: • Persistent strong urge to urinate • Sudden onset of urinary incontinence symptoms, particularly in someone who has not had such issues before • Burning or stinging sensation when urinating • Only passing small amounts of urine during each visit to the restroom • Requiring frequent trips to the restroom • Cloudy or opaque-looking urine • Urine that is pink, red, or brown, which could indicate that there is blood in the urine • Urine that has a strong smell that is not related to something that your parent ate, such as asparagus • Pelvic pain or pressure in women • Pain in the upper side and back, which could indicate kidney infection • Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen, which could indicate that the infection is centralized in the bladder • Discharge from the urethra • Shaking • Chills • Fever • Nausea or vomiting It is very important to note that while elderly adults might experience these symptoms, they are also prone to other symptoms including confusion, disorientation, loss of judgment, or other strange behaviors. Because both physical and cognitive symptoms can mimic those of other forms of infection and illness, it is not uncommon for elderly adults to receive an improper diagnosis. If you notice any of the signs and symptoms of UTI, it is critical that you get your parent to the doctor as soon as possible and give them a complete listing of the symptoms that they have been experiencing. This is particularly true if they are dealing with a high fever, chills, or a marked and drastic change in their behavior or cognitive function. The most common form of treatment for a UTI is antibiotics. While they may require IV antibiotics if the infection is serious, more commonly your parent will receive a prescription and will need to take these as prescribed for the full course. Offer reminders to ensure that they take them as they need to, when they need to, until all of the medication is finished. This ensures that the infection is fully resolved and is less likely to reoccur. Source https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/urologic-disease/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults/Pages/ez.aspx http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20037892If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Juno Beach, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.