Home Care in La Jolla CA
Whether the senior has this type of infection or you are concerned they will contract a UTI, knowing as much about this condition will help you provide the right type of care your loved one needs. If you are unable to offer the elder the care they require, a home care provider can be hired to provide companionship and assistance with any task that has become too difficult for them.
Symptoms
If your loved one has any of the following symptoms, talk to their doctor about getting the elder diagnosed for a UTI as soon as possible.
- Pressure in the lower pelvis
- Painful or burning urination
- Urine that has a strong or foul-smelling odor
- Bloody urine
- Cloudy or dark urine
- Low-grade fever
- Night sweats, chills, or shakes
The following symptoms are not as well-known as the previous ones, but have been found in seniors with a UTI.
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Sudden changes in their behavior
- Frequent falling
- Dizziness or poor motor skills
Why UTIs Develop
If you think that the elder could have this type of infection, there are a number of reasons it may have developed. These reasons include:
- Bowel incontinence
- Urinary catheter usage
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate
- Unable to completely empty the bladder when urinating, even if they just used the bathroom
- Elders with mobility issues or who remain in bed or sitting for long periods of time
- Kidney stones
- Having surgery around an area of the bladder
How to Reduce the Risk of a UTI
- Keep the genital area clean
- After urinating, the elder should wipe from front to back
- Under garments should be changed frequently and promptly
- Set up reminders in order to make sure the elder uses the bathroom at certain times of the day
- Drink between 2 and 4 quarts of water per day
- Drink cranberry juice or cranberry supplements only if the elder does not have a family history of kidney stones
- Alcohol and caffeine can irritate the bladder, so they should be avoided
- Feminine hygiene products should not be used
- Wear cotton underwear
The good news is that a urinary tract infection can easily be treated with antibiotics. However, the earlier the senior is able to get diagnosed, the less complicated their infection will become.
For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
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