Preventing and Treating Pneumonia in Seniors

Home Care Blog>In Home Care  |  January 30, 2020

Preventing and Treating Pneumonia in Seniors

As we get older, our immune system weakens, making it easier to get sick. This is why seniors should be vigilant about staying as healthy as they can so that when an illness does hit, they’ll be able to bounce back quickly. Aside from changes in the immune system, our lungs change as we get older – it becomes more difficult to clear secretions from the lungs, making infection more likely. And of course, health conditions can compromise one’s ability to fight off infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia in Seniors

Many signs of pneumonia are similar to a bad flu or cold. However, with pneumonia, you’ll often see patients who have chest pain when they cough. Confusion or changes in mental awareness is also a symptom seen in seniors with pneumonia. Another symptom seen more often in seniors is a lower body temperature than usual. Other symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

How to Treat Pneumonia in Seniors

If you think you or your loved one has pneumonia, go to the doctor as soon as possible. They will take a chest x-ray to determine whether you have pneumonia. If you do, they may give you fluids, oxygen, and medications, depending on the severity of the case.

How to Prevent Pneumonia in Seniors

Luckily, there are ways to prevent pneumonia. One of the best ways to prevent it is to get the flu shot and the pneumonia shot. And if you smoke, work towards quitting. Smoking seriously affects the lungs and makes them more susceptible to infection. Finally, practice good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise so that your body can fight off viruses and bacteria. And don’t forget to wash your hands!

Preventing and Treating Pneumonia in Seniors; Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help

If your senior is recovering from pneumonia or another illness, Comfort Keepers can help them get back to normal life. At Comfort Keepers, our caregivers provide in-home care services including light housework, mobility assistance, and 24-hour care. We only hire caregivers that we ourselves would let care for our family, so you know that you’re getting high-quality services.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

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