Ticks and Lyme Disease: What Seniors Should Know 

Senior Safety  |  April 11, 2024

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Seasonal Outdoor Safety.

Ticks and Lyme Disease | These small arachnids get to us through a behaviour known as questing, in which they perch themselves on tall blades of grass or plant stems and wait for something – or someone – to brush past. And that’s when they strike, biting down on the skin and attaching themselves to feed on the blood they crave. 

Research shows that, over the last few decades, the tick population in Canada has increased. As a result, the number of cases related to the diseases they carry has also risen. Lyme disease, in particular, is of growing concern. While Lyme disease can be dangerous to those of all ages, it poses a much greater risk for seniors, whose immune systems are generally less effective.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 300,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed in North America each year.

The Importance of Early Detection of Lyme Disease

Found throughout Canada, tick bites are prevalent from April through September. Given their commonality, there’s a good chance that most people may remove the tick and move on, viewing them more as a nuisance and not thinking of what may be happening under the skin. 

Furthermore, because of the natural anesthetic that ticks secrete when they bite, some may not even be aware that they’ve been bitten (assuming the tick fell off on its own accord). That’s why seniors must understand the early signs of Lyme disease. The sooner they begin treatment, the greater their chances of overcoming the illness.

Lyme Disease Symptoms that Seniors Should Be Aware Of:

• Fever, chills, and joint aches
• A rash with a bull’s eye-like appearance (a small red bump just after a tick bite is common and not always indicative of Lyme disease)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Intense migraines
• Dizziness and shortness of breath
• Problems with short-term memory

One of the difficulties in diagnosing Lyme disease in seniors is the symptoms often mimic those found in other conditions and diseases commonly found in older adults. 

#DYK Songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson was misdiagnosed for years as having Alzheimer’s, when in fact the source of his memory loss was caused by Lyme disease. Detailed information, in this case, is paramount to diagnosis and treatment. 

If seniors report symptoms such as those listed above to their physician, it’s important also to let them know if there was time spent outside. If Lyme disease is detected, an antibiotic will be prescribed and the infection will resolve within two to three weeks.

But as mentioned, time is of the essence when it comes to Lyme disease, and seniors should never shrug off the symptoms. The longer Lyme disease goes untreated in seniors, the harder it becomes to cure. And even if late-stage Lyme disease is treated, the lingering effects, such as fatigue and nausea, may never fully go away.

Reducing the Risk of Lyme Disease in Seniors

Lyme disease is undoubtedly a great risk for seniors, but it should not deter them from enjoying the outdoors. Taking a few precautionary steps can help seniors avoid these bloodsuckers almost entirely. 

1. Before embarking on a walk or hike, it’s important to put on clothing that covers the arms and legs, as ticks are more likely to attach themselves there. 
2. If warmer out and longer clothing isn’t a sensible option, applying a tick-repellent product is recommended. 
3. Sticking to the center of trails or walking paths can also help, as can avoiding areas of high or thick vegetation, if possible. 
4. Upon returning from outside, seniors should also check themselves thoroughly for the presence of ticks or indications of a tick bite.

Spending time outside can be a key component of our physical and emotional well-being, and at Comfort Keepers®, we want to ensure that seniors have the means to do so. Our caregivers can help clients dress appropriately for a hike or walk – with clothing that will reduce the risk of tick bites – and accompany them every step. 

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

References:
Government of Canada. “Lyme Disease”. Web 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease.” Web. 2018.
ThoughtCo. “How Do Ticks Get On You?” by Debbie Hadley. Web. 2017.
Interim Healthcare. “Are ticks dangerous for the elderly?” Web. 2018.
Next Avenue. “Kris Kristofferson’s ‘Dementia’ Was Lyme Disease” by Emily Gurnon. Web. 2016.

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