Pneumonia in Seniors: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Author

Comfort Keepers

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Comfort Keepers

Posted on

Jul 19, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This

Pneumonia in Seniors: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Pneumonia is an infection that affects one or both lungs and can range from mild to severe. For some, pneumonia can be fatal.

Older people have a higher risk of getting pneumonia and are more likely to die from it if they do. For seniors, hospitalization for pneumonia has a greater risk of death compared to any of the other top 10 reasons for hospitalization.

The additional steps that older adults take to protect their health can have long-lasting physical and mental effects. And staying healthy is the best way for seniors to continue living the highest quality of life.

Why Pneumonia is More Common in Seniors

Changes to the lungs as we age: Because of changes to the respiratory system that happens with age, seniors can’t always effectively clear secretions as well from their lungs. Those secretions can go down into bronchial tubes, causing the infection.

Weakened immune systems: A senior’s immune system has a harder time fighting off infection. And, some health issues can an even greater negative effect on a senior’s ability to fight off an infection – issues like an organ or bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy (treatment for cancer), or long-term steroid use.

Senior health conditions: Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, chemotherapy, and HIV put seniors at a higher risk for pneumonia, as well as cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and bronchiectasis. Surgery can also expose seniors to infections that can lead to pneumonia.

Signs of Pneumonia

Symptoms can include coughing, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, green or yellow sputum that comes up during coughing, fatigue, and the sudden worsening of a cold or the flu.

Pneumonia Treatments

Typically, a physician will do a chest X-ray and/or blood test to determine if a senior has pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia, it is usually treated with antibiotics. If the infection is viral, an anti-viral medicine may be prescribed. In addition to medication, doctors may give the patient fluids, oxygen, pain relief and medical support.

Reducing the Risk of Pneumonia in Seniors

Seniors should discuss pneumonia prevention with their physician to determine the best plan. Some options to help reduce the risk of pneumonia include:

Get vaccinated. All people over age 65 should get an annual flu shot, as well as a pneumococcal vaccine, a one-time shot that protects against the pneumococcus, or pneumonia bacteria.

Practice good hygiene: Wash hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Don’t Smoke or Take Steps to Quit: Smoking negatively impacts just about everything in our bodies, but the lungs obviously receive a significant amount of damage. Those who smoke are at a greater overall risk of pneumonia because the lungs’ defense mechanisms become compromised.

Practice a Healthy Lifestyle: Seniors should follow a physician-approved diet and exercise regimen. This will help bolster their immune system and reduce the risk pneumonia.

 

Comfort Keepers® Can Help
Whether senior clients are recovering from pneumonia or looking to protect themselves, the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers® can help. Our caregivers remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. Above all, our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers office today.

References:

American Thoracic Society. “Top 20 Pneumonia Facts.” Web. 2018
Mayo Clinic. “Pneumonia -Symptoms and Causes”. Web.
Web MD. “What is Bacterial Pneumonia.” Web. 2016.
Aging.com. “What Causes Pneumonia in the Elderly?” Web. 2018.
American Lung Association. “Lung Health and Diseases: Learn About Pneumonia.” Web. 2018.
Everyday Health. “Pneumonia 101: What You Need to Know.” Web. 2019.

Other Articles You May Like

How Non-Medical Home Care Companies Help Seniors with Meal Preparation

The Importance of Meal Preparation for SeniorsEating well is essential for seniors to stay healthy, maintain strength, and manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. However, aging often brings challenges that interfere with regular eating habits: Limited mobility or arthritis can make it difficult to stand, chop, or lift cookware. Cognitive decline may cause a person to forget meals or how to safely use kitchen appliances. Loss of appetite or interest in cooking, especially when living alone. Dietary restrictions that require careful meal planning. With a little help, many seniors can continue enjoying nutritious meals that support their health and well-being. How Non-Medical Home Care Companies Help with Meal Prep1. Meal Planning and Grocery AssistanceCaregivers can help plan meals that are both nutritious and tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs. Whether following a doctors recommendations or simply planning favorite family recipes, caregivers help seniors feel involved and in control. They can also assist with creating shopping lists and even accompany the senior to the store or coordinate grocery delivery.2. Safe Meal PreparationFrom chopping vegetables to using the stove, many kitchen tasks can pose risks for older adults. Caregivers take care of the preparationwashing, slicing, cooking, and plating mealsensuring everything is handled safely and hygienically.3. Accommodating Special DietsWhether a senior needs a low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, soft, or heart-healthy diet, caregivers can prepare meals that follow those guidelines. This attention to detail helps seniors stay healthy while still enjoying their food.4. Encouraging Regular Eating HabitsSkipping meals or snacking instead of eating real meals is common among seniors. Caregivers gently remind and encourage clients to eat at regular times, promoting better nutrition and preventing unintended weight loss or blood sugar fluctuations.5. Companionship During MealsMealtimes can be lonely for seniors who live alone, often leading to a loss of appetite. Caregivers can provide companionship at the table, turning meals into a more social and enjoyable experience.6. Light CleanupAfter the meal, caregivers help with light kitchen cleanupwashing dishes, wiping counters, and putting leftovers away. This ensures a clean and safe space, and takes a burden off the seniors shoulders. Supporting Independence and DignityNon-medical home care companies empower seniors to remain in their homes while receiving the help they need to stay nourished and healthy. Care is always respectful and centered around the individualensuring that seniors continue to feel independent, heard, and valued.  

How Non-Medical Home Care Companies Support Seniors with Dementia

Understanding Dementia and Its ChallengesDementia is not a specific disease but a general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimers disease is the most common form, but there are many others, including vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Symptoms vary, but often include memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, mood changes, and trouble with daily tasks.Because dementia is progressive, care needs increase over time. While medical treatment can help manage symptoms, consistent daily support is crucialand thats where non-medical home care can make a significant difference. How Non-Medical Home Care Companies Help with Dementia Care1. Creating a Familiar and Safe EnvironmentRemaining in the comfort of home can help reduce confusion and anxiety for someone with dementia. Caregivers help maintain a structured, familiar environment, which is essential for individuals who may become disoriented or overwhelmed by changes.2. Assistance with Daily ActivitiesDementia can make simple taskslike bathing, dressing, eating, and groomingdifficult. Caregivers provide gentle, respectful assistance, promoting independence while ensuring safety and dignity.3. Establishing RoutinesConsistency is key for dementia care. Home care providers help establish daily routines for meals, hygiene, rest, and activities. This structure reduces confusion and can help minimize agitation or behavioral issues.4. Providing Mental and Social StimulationEngagement is vital for slowing cognitive decline. Caregivers interact with clients through meaningful conversation, music, puzzles, memory games, or simply looking through old photos. These interactions offer emotional comfort and help keep the mind active.5. Managing Behavioral ChangesDementia can lead to behaviors like wandering, aggression, or agitation. Trained caregivers are equipped with techniques to respond calmly and effectively, helping to de-escalate situations and create a soothing atmosphere.6. Ensuring SafetyFrom installing safety locks to guiding a client away from hazards, caregivers are trained to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of wandering. Their presence provides an added layer of security for both the client and their family.7. Supporting Family CaregiversCaring for someone with dementia is emotionally and physically demanding. Non-medical home care companies offer respite caregiving family members time to rest, recharge, or tend to personal matters while knowing their loved one is in good hands.  

Staying on Track: How Non-Medical Home Care Companies Help Seniors with Medication Reminders

Why Medication Management MattersMedication adherence is critical to maintaining health, especially for seniors managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Yet, studies show that nearly 50% of older adults do not take their medications as prescribed. This can lead to worsening symptoms, preventable hospitalizations, and even life-threatening situations.While non-medical home care providers are not licensed to administer medications, they are trained to offer essential support that helps seniors remember to take their medications correctly and consistently. How Non-Medical Home Care Companies Help1. Daily Medication RemindersCaregivers provide gentle, consistent reminders to take medications at the right times. Whether its a pill in the morning, insulin at lunch, or an evening dose before bed, these reminders ensure that nothing is forgotten.2. Creating and Maintaining a RoutineConsistency is key. Home care professionals help seniors establish and maintain a daily medication routine, which can be especially beneficial for those with memory loss or cognitive decline. A dependable routine reduces confusion and improves overall adherence.3. Monitoring for Changes or ConcernsWhile caregivers cannot evaluate or prescribe medications, they are trained to notice potential issuessuch as skipped doses, adverse reactions, or confusion about medicationsand report them to the family or healthcare provider promptly.4. Organizing Pill Boxes or RemindersCaregivers can assist in organizing weekly pillboxes (as filled by the client or a family member) or setting up electronic medication reminders. These tools are great visual and auditory aids that promote independence while keeping safety in mind.5. Coordinating with Family and Health ProvidersHome care companies often work as part of a larger care team. They help bridge communication between the senior, family members, and healthcare providers, sharing observations or concerns that may impact the medication regimen.6. Providing Transportation to the PharmacySome caregivers can also provide transportation or arrange delivery services to ensure prescriptions are filled and refilled on time, eliminating one more barrier to proper medication use.  

Local Services By This Author

Comfort Keepers

Home Health , Port Charlotte, Florida, 33948

Comfort Keepers is a trusted provider of non-medical in-home care for seniors and adults in Lee County and surrounding southwest Florida communities. Their mission is to elevate the human spirit by helping older adults stay safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.Key Features & ServicesInteractive Caregiving Philosophy: Caregivers build genuine connections while providing companionship, personal assistance, and emotional support tailored to each individual's preferences and routines.Wide Range of Support Services: Services include companionship and personal care such as bathing, grooming, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, errands, Alzheimers and dementia care, respite, livein care, and medication reminders.Highly Trained and Screened Caregivers: All team members undergo extensive background checks, ongoing training, and are fully bonded and insured for clients peace of mind.Flexible and Tailored Care Plans: Individualized care plans adapt over time to meet changing family or daily living needs, with support ranging from hourly visits to 24-hour care if needed.Holistic Focus on Well-Being: Comfort Keepers emphasizes physical, emotional, mental, and social wellness by empowering seniors to remain active, engaged, and connected.Community & ReachBased in Fort Myers, the office serves communities throughout Lee and Collier counties, including Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel, and Marco Island. Comfort Keepers operates nationwide through more than 700 independently owned and operated offices across 12 countries, ensuring local service with global expertise.Why Choose Comfort KeepersTrusted local reputation: Recognized as a top-rated in-home care provider.Emphasis on dignity and independence: Care empowers seniors to live life on their terms, with attentive support in the privacy of home.Compassionate community connections: Families value the respectful, uplifting relationships that caregivers build with clients and loved ones.Comprehensive services with peace of mind: From short visits to livein support, including specialized dementia care, Comfort Keepers offers flexibility and continuity of care.

Comfort Keepers

Non-Medical , Port Charlotte, Florida, 33948

Comfort Keepers is a trusted provider of non-medical in-home care for seniors and adults in Lee County and surrounding southwest Florida communities. Their mission is to elevate the human spirit by helping older adults stay safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.Key Features & ServicesInteractive Caregiving Philosophy: Caregivers build genuine connections while providing companionship, personal assistance, and emotional support tailored to each individual's preferences and routines.Wide Range of Support Services: Services include companionship and personal care such as bathing, grooming, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, errands, Alzheimers and dementia care, respite, livein care, and medication reminders.Highly Trained and Screened Caregivers: All team members undergo extensive background checks, ongoing training, and are fully bonded and insured for clients peace of mind.Flexible and Tailored Care Plans: Individualized care plans adapt over time to meet changing family or daily living needs, with support ranging from hourly visits to 24-hour care if needed.Holistic Focus on Well-Being: Comfort Keepers emphasizes physical, emotional, mental, and social wellness by empowering seniors to remain active, engaged, and connected.Community & ReachBased in Fort Myers, the office serves communities throughout Lee and Collier counties, including Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel, and Marco Island. Comfort Keepers operates nationwide through more than 700 independently owned and operated offices across 12 countries, ensuring local service with global expertise.Why Choose Comfort KeepersTrusted local reputation: Recognized as a top-rated in-home care provider.Emphasis on dignity and independence: Care empowers seniors to live life on their terms, with attentive support in the privacy of home.Compassionate community connections: Families value the respectful, uplifting relationships that caregivers build with clients and loved ones.Comprehensive services with peace of mind: From short visits to livein support, including specialized dementia care, Comfort Keepers offers flexibility and continuity of care.