Reducing the Risk of Pneumonia in Seniors

Reducing the Risk of Pneumonia in Seniors | Pneumonia may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and results in inflammation and decreased circulation to one or both of the lungs. As circulation to the lungs decreases, oxygen in the blood declines. While cases of pneumonia can range from mild to severe, seniors are much more susceptible to this disease than normal, healthy adults. Similarly, once they have this condition it takes them longer to recover from it, especially those who are frail who may require up to several months to return to health.

If you are a caregiver, it is essential to understand how to reduce the risk pneumonia in seniors, and spot the symptoms should they occur.

Risk Reduction Strategies for Pneumonia in Seniors

Frequent hand washing is very important. One of the reasons pneumonia is so common among seniors is that it can quickly spread in locations where they meet, such as senior centers, places of worship, or other social gathering places. Many germs and other microbes are spread through touch, and hand washing can dramatic reduce the spread of illness. It is a good idea to remind seniors to wash their hands regularly, especially in winter. At home, post signs above wash areas/sinks to remind the senior to wash his or her hands routinely and use hand sanitizers.
Keep up with regular dental hygiene. Remind seniors about good dental care. Pneumonia can occur from tooth and gum infections, so daily brushing and flossing ─ or keeping dentures clean ─ is a must. Germ-killing mouthwash is also helpful.
Immunizations are key. The Mayo Clinic and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute both advise seniors and anyone at risk for pneumonia to get vaccinated against bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s a one-time vaccine that can prevent or reduce the severity of pneumonia. His or her doctor may also recommend a booster vaccine after five years. It’s also a good idea to vaccinate seniors against other illnesses that can lead to pneumonia, particularly influenza.
Talk to seniors about smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for pneumonia. It greatly increases a person’s likelihood of getting the disease because it harms the ability of the lungs to defend against infection. Quitting smoking altogether can help at-risk seniors fend against pneumonia.
Encourage good general health. Good overall health habits are critical to preventing pneumonia in seniors and keep the immune system strong enough to fight off infection. Help them follow appropriate nutritional guidelines for seniors (and any pre-existing conditions), and encourage them to get plenty of rest and physical exercise.

Be Familiar with the Symptoms of Pneumonia in Seniors

The incidence of pneumonia increases with age, and seniors with pneumonia complain of fewer symptoms than do younger people. That’s why it is important that you be aware of the following symptoms:

Coughing
Chest pain
Chills
Fever
Confusion
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Delirium
Worsening of chronic confusion
Falls

As soon as these symptoms appear, the senior should be taken to a doctor. Pneumonia is a serious illness, so it should be treated as such and strict standards should be maintained to help him or her prevent – or cope – with it.

Bonus Article: Vaccines Can Help Prevent Pneumonia

Comfort Keepers^® can help.

Our trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ engages clients physically, emotionally, mentally and socially ─ and provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Contact Comfort Keepers Calgary for more information on services provided to Seniors in Calgary, Alberta.

References:

Assisted Living Today. “Pneumonia in the Elderly – Simple Tips for Prevention and Treatment”. Web. 2015.

Oxford Journals: Clinical Infectious Diseases. “Community-Acquired Pneumonia in the Elderly” by
Thomas T. Yoshikawa. Web.

Medical News Today. “Top 10 Causes of Death in the US”. Web. 2015.

New York Times. Health Guide. “Pneumonia – Adults (Community Acquired)”. Monday, November 2, 2015.

Immunizations for Seniors

Immunizations for Seniors – One of the most important ways that seniors can stay healthy is to make sure they are vaccinated against common, preventable diseases.

Research shows that a number of older adults aren’t getting the vaccines they need to help reduce their risk of serious illnesses.

With age, we become much more susceptible to serious illnesses and infections due to a weakened immune system. Many of these diseases can take their toll on younger adults, but the setback is often temporary. For seniors, the complications that arise from these illnesses can be life-threatening.

Over 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older.

For example, respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia and influenza, are the eighth leading cause of death among the older population. Seniors with chronic diseases are more likely to suffer complications. Diabetics, for example, are three times more likely to die from a bout with the flu than a healthy adult. The risk of getting either of these can be reduced with vaccinations.

Vaccines represent the best form of risk reduction for some diseases, and can help make symptoms less severe for those who do come down with the respective illness. Immunizations can make a significant difference in a senior’s physical wellbeing. Recommended Immunization for Seniors should be discussed with their healthcare team to ensure that they are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Commonly Recommended Vaccines for Seniors:

Influenza vaccine
Shingles vaccine
Tdap vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
Hepatitis B

Related Article: End of Life Care & The Immune System

Comfort Keepers^®Can Help

Maintaining senior health and wellbeing is a priority for the team at Comfort Keepers^®. Our caregivers can assist in providing seniors with transportation to and from the doctor’s office or clinics to receive their vaccinations. In addition, caregivers can also work to promote a healthy lifestyle by supporting physician-recommended diet and exercise plans, as well as medication reminders. Contact your the Comfort Keepers Calgary office today to learn more.

Bonus Article: The Comfort Keepers Difference

References:
Consumer Reports. “The 4 Vaccines Older Adults Need.” Web. 2017.
People. “What to Know About the New Shingles Vaccine – And Why You Should Get It ASAP if You’re Over 50.” Web. 2018.
National Council on Aging. “NCOA Blog: Healthy Living – Healthy Aging in Winter and Beyond: 4 Important Vaccines for Seniors Covered by Medicare.” Web. 2017.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Vaccine Information for Adults.” Web. 2018.
WebMD. “What to know if you have Diabetes and the Flu.” Web. 2019

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Reducing the Risk of Pneumonia in Seniors