Seniors Need to Know About The Risks of Pneumonia

Edmonton Senior Health  |  January 19, 2024

What Every Senior in Edmonton Needs to Know About the Risks of Pneumonia

The Risks of Pneumonia | Numerous health conditions are connected with older adults. Cardiac disease and cancer usually top the list, but pneumonia is also a life-threatening condition that must be taken seriously. Pneumonia is a respiratory lung infection and is initiated by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. More than a million people are hospitalized annually in the U.S. as a result of pneumonia, and many are seniors. Are seniors predisposed to pneumonia more than other age groups?

The problem is that the immune system weakens as we age and our natural defenses to colds, flu, and infections become less reliable than when we are younger, making seniors more susceptible. If a senior patient is in a weakened state while recovering from illness or surgery, it’s even worse. It may be harder for him or her to cough and rid the lungs of infectious elements. At that point, even a common cold can quickly lead to a lung infection. Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), HIV, heart disease, and other conditions can make greater challenges for a quick recovery, too.

Pneumonia may be a common occurrence, but it’s not a predictable or normal part of aging. We can reduce the risk of pneumonia by being proactive. Of course, there’s no guarantee, but adults can certainly reduce their risk as much as possible. Here are some suggestions for maintaining better health this year.

Reduce the Risks of Pneumonia

• Get Vaccinated: Influenza can lead to pneumonia, so talk with your doctor about a flu shot, as well as the pneumonia vaccination.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly and often. Keep sanitizer available for times you can’t avoid touching surfaces like door handles and grocery cart handles.
• Stop smoking: Smokers are at a higher risk for pneumonia, as well as other illnesses, so stop!
• Build Immunity Through Diet: Talk to your physician about a diet to help strengthen the immune system.

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).

What’s more, 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.

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