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Things You Should Know About UTIs in the Elderly

Seniors have a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). The symptoms may not be what you'd expect. This makes it harder to determine if your parent has a UTI.

Senior Care Raleigh NC: Talking to Seniors About UTIs

Seniors have a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). The symptoms may not be what you’d expect. This makes it harder to determine if your parent has a UTI. It’s important to know everything you can about diagnosing and getting treatment for your mom or dad’s UTI. Here are things you should know.

Symptoms Can Mimic Signs of Dementia

You likely recognize a UTI as a burning, painful sensation while urinating. You might feel a full bladder that doesn’t go away after urinating. Blood tinged urine is another sign. They can be present in a senior, but they don’t have to be.

Symptoms often include confusion, agitation, and mobility issues. A senior may not want to eat or becomes incontinent. Being excessively tired or falling down are other signs of a UTI in the elderly.

Chances of a UTI Increase With Age

After menopause, women are more likely to experience UTIs. It’s linked to the decrease of estrogen that was helping protect the urinary tract from E coli bacteria.

For men, the increase may be tied to bladder or kidney stones or issues with the prostate. An enlarged prostate increases the risk, and an infection of the prostate can also be a factor.

You Can’t Ignore It

A UTI won’t magically go away. If your parent may have one, see a doctor for a urine test. If tests are positive, make sure your mom or dad takes all of the prescribed antibiotics and not just until he or she is feeling better.

Preventative Measures Are Important

To keep urine from hanging around in the bladder and building up bacteria, it’s important for seniors to drink a lot of water and go to the bathroom regularly. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your parent drinks a small glass of water every couple of hours. If your mom or dad uses incontinence pads or diapers, they need to change them every few hours to prevent bacteria from building up.

Track Water Intake, Mood, and Bathroom Trips

Identifying changes in mood or behavior can help pinpoint a UTI. If you can’t spend every day at your parents because of your job or personal responsibilities, you can still get help.

Senior care services include companionship. Caregivers can spend time each day with your mom. The caregiver will notice if something is off. Call a senior care agency to learn more about companionship services.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering in-home senior care in Raleigh, NC, please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care. Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today 919-676-1070

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Donnie Shelton

Owner at Affordable Family Care Services, Inc.

Donnie graduated from Elon University in 1987 with a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing. He has worked in a variety of medical fields including a hospital equipment company, a medical equipment company, and home care. He opened Affordable Family Care Services in 2006 and it has grown to include upwards of 125 caregivers and many award-winning programs. Donnie, his wife Lesley, and their son Spencer live in the Raleigh area.Donnie is an avid golfer and fisherman.

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