Older adults are especially vulnerable to contracting infectious diseases, due in part to their naturally weakened immune system. Bacterial infections increase their risk of hospitalization, discomfort and ongoing poor health. You can help prevent these common infections in the elderly with the following tips.

What is the role of the immune system?

The immune system produces antibodies that protect the senior’s body from bacteria and other harmful substances. But a senior’s immune system ages along with their body. When infections occur, the aging body heals more slowly; seniors have fewer immune cells to promote healing.

The aging process causes other changes to the immune system, such as a slower response time. When the immune system fails to respond swiftly, infections are more likely; flu shots and other vaccines may not work as effectively, either. These circumstances increase a senior’s risk of getting sick.

Seniors may suffer from multiple chronic health conditions, which further puts them at risk for developing infections. Respiratory infections and pneumonia, for instance, are more likely to occur in seniors diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) due to associated symptoms.

More information on care for seniors: How to Boost Appetite Among Seniors 

What are common bacterial infections and prevention strategies?

Certain bacterial infections are more common in seniors. It’s important for caregivers to be vigilant for symptoms, which may present as chills, fever, confusion, and loss of appetite. Aches and pains often accompany infections, too. It’s important to treat these symptoms right away.

Bacterial Pneumonia

Pneumonia affects more than half of all seniors in the US, sending them to the hospital for treatment. Classic symptoms manifest as chills, cough, and fever—however, they are less frequent in the elderly. Instead, caregivers are urged to look out for delirium, confusion, and other non-respiratory symptoms.

Prevent pneumonia in seniors by taking them to the doctor’s office for a pneumococcal vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends two vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines. Routine medical checkups can also keep the infection at bay.

Skin Infections

Bacterial skin infections occur in seniors due to the decreased ability of their skin to heal itself. Diabetic patients may develop fungal or bacterial foot infections, for instance. MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) is another bacterial infection prevalent in the elderly population.

Seniors should practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands often and treating wounds or injuries promptly to prevent skin and MRSA infections. Use a disinfectant that fights MRSA to clean household surfaces that commonly touch the skin, such as light switches, tables, and chairs.

Urinary Tract Infections

When a urinary tract infection strikes, seniors do not always experience classic symptoms, such as pain during urination or frequent urination. Rather, they may suffer low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, or urinary incontinence. Seniors with a UTI may become drowsy or lose their appetite.

Maintaining a healthy bladder can prevent UTIs. Seniors should drink 64 ounces of water per day. When urinating, the elderly must empty their bladder completely. It’s also a good practice to urinate shortly after needing to. Wearing loose, cotton underwear is recommended to help prevent UTIs.

Read more care and treatment information, read How Seniors Can Recover From UTI

Gastrointestinal Infections

Bacteria can cause gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, in the elderly. Gastritis may be caused by a bacteria called helicobacter pylori, which lives in the stomach. Symptoms may include feeling full or bloated. Seniors might also experience stomach pain.

Good hygiene is critical for preventing gastritis. Seniors are urged to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Avoid irritants, like spicy foods and caffeine, that can irritate the stomach. Consuming a healthy diet rich in fiber as well as several smaller meals make a healthy difference.

Flu

Although caused by a virus rather than bacteria, the flu is a common infection affecting seniors. However, the flu can lead to severe complications, like pneumonia. Seniors with a bout of the flu may develop a fever, chills, aches and pains, or headaches. General fatigue also accompanies the flu.

Preventing the flu requires a trip to the pharmacy or doctor’s office for a flu vaccine. Clean and disinfect household surfaces routinely, as they can become contaminated with the virus. When loved ones are ill, seniors should avoid close contact with them to avoid contracting the flu.

Preventing any of the above common bacterial infections in seniors requires practicing good hygiene and living a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy immune system is critical, too. Seniors must drink plenty of fluids, exercise regularly, and eat nutritiously to keep themselves as strong and fit as possible.

When caregivers suspect a bacterial infection in their elderly care recipients, contact the senior’s doctor immediately. Symptoms to watch out for include confusion and lethargy; other indications of a bacterial infection in seniors include a decreased appetite and unusual behavior.

The dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care also help prevent bacterial infections in seniors through a variety of in-home care services. Professionals perform light housekeeping, such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, to maintain a hygienic and comfortable home environment.

We prepare balanced meals and serve drinks throughout the day to promote the health and hydration needed to fight infections. Caregivers shop for groceries, give timely medication reminders, and offer discreet help with hygiene tasks, like bathing, toileting, and dressing.

If your aging loved one develops a bacterial infection, caregivers provide transportation and escort to the doctor’s office as well as pharmacy for medication pickup. We’re pleasant companions who engage seniors socially with stimulating games, light conversations, outings, and enjoyable recreational activities.

Our non-medical care options are flexible. Caregivers are available for short-term respite care or long-term live-in care and everything in between. We can customize the ideal care plan to fulfill the needs of your aging loved one. Plus, our professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Whether your aging loved one is prone to infections or simply feels secure with an attentive caregiver nearby, Assisting Hands Home Care is prepared to help. We serve seniors in Batavia, Illinois, and the neighboring communities. Schedule a free in-consult today to learn about quality elder care.