Pneumonia in Seniors: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
COMFORT KEEPERS PITTSBURGH
For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/pennsylvania/pittsburgh-city/
Nov 18, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
There are many benefits that come with getting older, but there are also factors to be aware of when it comes to our health and wellness. As we age our body’s natural defenses become less reliable and as a result, seniors are more susceptible to infection – including pneumonia.
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.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.comfortkeepers.ca/pneumonia-causes-treatments-and-prevention/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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They will also use any coupons provided by their clients.Incidental TransportationOur care aides can provide incidental transportation for clients, allowing them the freedom to go shopping and attend other activities or get to medical appointments, the barbershop or beauty salon, and other places the senior chooses. Getting a senior out and about is good for the seniors mind, body, and spirit.Medication RemindersOur agency can help ensure that clients take their medications as prescribed. They can assist with opening medication containers, reading labels, and reminding their clients when to take a dose. In instances in which a client needs additional assistance with medications, such as administering or setting up in a pillbox. In that case, we can provide a registered nurse or refer them to an outside nursing agency.24-Hour CareDepending on the clients needs, we can provide home care for seniors for just a few hours a week or provide full-time, in-home care. Through our 24-hour at home senior care service, a team of care providers coordinates caregiving responsibilities in shifts. This offers clients and their families full-time peace of mind. Whether your loved one requires Alzheimer's care, end of life care, or other assistance, we can be there when and how your family needs us. Personal home care is a comprehensive term that supports primary home care, daily living, and personal hygiene. We realize everyones situation is different. As such, our caregivers are trained to assist with moments-notice assistance and complete home care, depending on your needs. Specifically, your needs might include bathing, mobility assistance, cleaning, cooking, or companion care. We can also transport your loved one to and from events, doctor appointments, and errands. Were here to offer emotional and physical engagement through our customized services which involve Interactive Caregiving. Our mission with personal care is to help your loved one enjoy the best quality of life while remaining in the comfort of their home.We proudly assist with everyday tasks such as:Bathroom personal assistanceHelp with movement around the homeTransferring and positioning from room to room and chair to chairToileting and incontinence careMeal preparation, cooking and clean-upTransportation to and from appointments, events and around townCare for your loved one who might have memory issues or cognitive impairmentsMedication reminders Support regarding physician prescribed nutrition and exercise programsAny changes with condition monitoringFall risk assessment and helping with fall preventionDiscover the ways we can assist you with specialized care24-Hour Care We'll be there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if needed. Our caregivers work in groups throughout the day to ensure your loved one's needs are always met. We've discovered that seniors appreciate our caregivers' presence and pleasure since it helps them cope with the necessities of life.Alzheimers and Dementia Care It's hard to know what comes next when dealing with the mind and the effect Alzheimer's and dementia can have on it. The result is you're constantly concerned about your loved one's safety. Allow a Comfort Keepers caregiver to keep your loved one safe and comfortable in their home if they have Alzheimer's or dementia. We've been trained to deal with this type of issue and are ready to assist.End of Life Care Our patient-focused care means youre not alone during this difficult time. When our caregivers assist your loved one with end of life care, you get the privilege and peace of mind to focus on your loved one not the labor.In-Facility Care Comfort Keepers caregivers can supplement the care your loved one receives even if they currently reside in an assisted living facility.Post-Hospital Care We can make the transition easy if you return home after surgery or any hospital visit. Areas we cover: Pittsburgh (Downtown, Hill District, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, Garfield, Shadyside, Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, Point Breeze, Homewood, East Liberty, Lincoln Lemmington, Upper St. Claire, Mount Lebanon, Castle Shannon, Bethel Park, South Park, McMurray, Washington, Jefferson Hills, McKeesport, Braddock, Edgewood, Wilkinsburg, North Huntingdon, Forest Hills, Export, Plum, Monroeville, Irwin, White Oak, Trafford, North Versailles, and MurrysvilleGive us a call today!