Senior Health

Recognizing UTIs in the Elderly and Why it’s Important

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is the most common type of bacterial infection that affects the elderly. One in ten men over 65 will deal with a UTI, and one in five women over 65 will also. While these infections begin in the bladder, when left untreated they can spread to the kidneys and beyond, leading to serious health complications. In the elderly, these infections may not look like you expect and can be easy to miss. So, how do you recognize a urinary tract infection in a senior, and what should you do about it?

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

A urinary tract infection begins when too much bacteria grows inside the urethra (the tube through which urine passes out of the body) or the bladder. Often, this bacteria is introduced from outside the body. Bacteria can come from poor hygiene like infrequent washing, incomplete wiping, or wearing a soiled adult diaper for too long. Sometimes, the bacteria is already inside the body and begins to grow when the bladder is not completely emptied or emptied often enough.

As more bacteria grows, the infection can spread. Sometimes this happens quickly, and an infection that was quite small to begin with can move from the bladder to the kidneys and beyond before you even notice it’s there.

Why are UTIs Different For Seniors?

If you’ve ever had a UTI, you probably recall the symptoms. In younger adults, a UTI often causes pelvic pain, fever, and sense of an urgent need to urinate. Urine may be cloudy or bloody, and often has a strong odor.

In older adults, some of these common symptoms may not be as noticeable. As we age, our immune systems change and often grow weaker. Because of this, many seniors with urinary tract infections do not have a fever.

Another age-related change that can mask a urinary tract infection is bladder weakness. Many seniors already experience some mild incontinence, difficulty, or urgency when their bladder is full. Because this is a normal part of their experience, they may not recognize when there has been a change related to an infection.

All of these difficulties grow if a senior is experiencing any type of age-related cognitive decline, such as dementia. Cognitive decline makes it harder both to notice UTI symptoms and to express that they are happening.

The Biggest Symptom of UTI in a Senior that You Need to Know

For many seniors, the biggest symptom of a urinary tract infection is a behavioral change. This can look like confusion, lethargy, falling or balance problems, agitation, decreased appetite, or even hallucinations. In fact, these changes can be so severe that they can be misdiagnosed as dementia.

If your parent or senior loved one has suddenly developed any of these symptoms, it’s important to get them to the doctor as soon as possible. Urinary tract infections in seniors can lead to life-threatening complications, including permanent kidney damage, or a major infection in the blood known as sepsis.

In seniors who already have a dementia diagnosis, an untreated UTI can speed up cognitive decline. It’s important not to assume that sudden new or worsening confusion is “just” dementia getting worse.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections in Seniors

There is no way to guarantee that your mom or dad will never contract a UTI. However, these simple measures can help lower the overall risk:

Emptying the bladder frequently, no “holding it”
Wiping from back to front
Staying well-hydrated at all times
Changing incontinence briefs often throughout the day
Showering rather than bathing
For indwelling catheters, clean daily with soap and water as instructed by a doctor

Maintaining urinary tract health is a crucial part of health and well-being for seniors. This is especially important with any kind of condition that raises the risk of UTI, like bladder or bowel incontinence, dementia, catheterization, or immune system compromise.

Are you a home caregiver for a senior with dementia or other cognitive decline? You might like to meet with one of our support groups for caregivers. Click Here to learn more or reach out today for information and help.

FAQ: Understanding Remote Health Care

Telehealth, also called telemedicine or remote health care, has been around since well before this year. However, its importance has grown in a new way since the beginning of 2020. You may already have had telehealth visits with some of your health providers. Or, you may have heard that it’s an available option for those who can’t or don’t want to go to a doctor’s office. But what is remote health care and how does it work?

Who Will I See if I Use Remote Health Care?

Because it’s still a relatively new field, we still use a lot of different terms for this kind of care. Telehealth or telemedicine are the words often used by doctors themselves. Colloquially you will likely hear friends or family mention a remote doctor, remote health, or virtual checkups. All of these words mean the same thing: care from a doctor that happens via the computer or phone.

Some remote doctors visits happen via programs like Zoom. However, most hospitals and doctor groups prefer to use specialized healthcare apps or websites. In many cases, the exact same doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners are seeing patients both in-person and online.

In places where COVID-19 has shut down or limited “non-essential” health care appointments, remote health is becoming increasingly popular. While it doesn’t come with all the traditional trappings of a regular doctor visit, telemedicine can provide much of the same care for routine health support.

Is Remote Health Safe and Effective?

For routine checkups and simple problems like colds or sore throats, remote health care is a safe and effective option. A regular check-in chat with your doctor may even be easier and faster than an in-person visit. Some practices even provide at-home equipment like blood pressure monitors that connect digitally to your doctor’s office via the Internet.

For emergency care or any treatment that requires a hands-on examination, in-person visits are a better choice. However, for simple things, online care is an equally good option and may be both safer and more convenient than visiting the doctor in-person if you live in a high-risk area. This is especially true for high-risk groups like the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions

Is My Privacy Protected With Remote Health Care?

Telehealth providers must meet strict security requirements. HIPAA privacy laws and regulations apply to online doctors just like other health providers. The special apps that they use are designed to keep your privacy secured as well. From the perspective of your doctor, remote visits are just as carefully private and confidential as in-person visits are.

To make sure that your personal health information stays secure, there are some simple measures you can take to protect your own medical privacy as well:

Always use a secure internet connection (not public Wi-Fi)
Call your doctor from a private, enclosed area rather than a common space
Do not share your login information with anyone at any time

Is Remote Health Care Covered By Insurance?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many health insurance companies have temporarily expanded their coverage to include remote visits. This means that even if your insurance didn’t cover remote care before, it might be covered now.

There are also remote health care options that charge a flat fee for those who don’t carry health insurance. These visits often cost less than the same kind of care in-person.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need to Use Remote Health?

If you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you should be able to see your doctor virtually. Because each doctor and hospital may prefer a different program, the specific details will vary.

If you are using a desktop computer or an older model laptop computer, make sure that you have access to a webcam. These cameras are typically built into newer laptops and tablets. If you have already been able to video call with friends or family, you have the equipment you need to use remote health.

Looking for information about senior assisted living in Texas? Click here to set up a conversation with one of our senior care experts or schedule a virtual tour.

Personal Protective Equipment: Pandemic Safety for Seniors

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a hot topic everywhere these days. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about what to wear, what it does, and how to use it safely.

If you’re confused about PPE and how to use it in your daily life, this blog post is for you. Use it as a quick guide to understanding the different kinds of PPE, what they’re for, who should use them, and how.

What to Know About Cloth Masks

The CDC recommends cloth masks for non-health care providers. Cloth masks should contain at least two layers of a tightly woven, breathable material such as quilting cotton or heavy-duty jersey. These masks help block the flow of germs out of your mouth and nose to protect others around you from getting sick. Remember to wash a cloth mask after every use to avoid contamination.

Recommended for: Everyday wear to protect others around you
Not recommended for: Preventing infection if you are near other people who are not wearing a mask

What to Know About Surgical Masks

A surgical mask is a disposable paperlike mask designed to be discarded after a single use. You can recognize surgical masks as the kind you most often see at a doctor or dentist appointment. These masks help block the flow of germs out of your mouth and nose to protect others around you from getting sick.

Recommended for: Health providers who need to protect others from bacteria or viruses
Not recommended for: Repeated use; Preventing infection

What to Know About N-95 Respirators

An N-95 respirator is a special reusable mask designed to filter small particles such as mold, bacteria, and some viruses out of the air that you breathe. N-95 masks are popular with contractors which is why you can often find them at hardware stores.

These masks filter the air that you breathe and can remove up to 95% of small particles before they get to you. An N-95 respirator with no front exhaust valves also helps block the flow of germs to others from your mouth and now. However, respirators with front exhaust valves will not protect others from your germs. N-95 masks rely on proper fit and a tight seal to be effective and won’t help if they don’t fit right.

Recommended for: Health care providers who need protection from infection
Not recommended for: Use by non-medical personnel

What to Know About Face Shields or Goggles

A face shield is a clear plastic sheet worn over the face. A face shield helps protect your eyes, nose, and mouth from small droplets that may carry bacteria or viruses. However, it does not clean or filter the air that you breathe. Most health care providers use a surgical mask or respirator in combination with their face shield. Goggles offer protection only for the eyes and not for the nose or mouth.

Recommended for: People who are at risk of being exposed to coughs and sneezes
Not recommended for: Replacing a cloth mask or surgical mask

What to Know About Gloves

Health care professionals wear gloves to avoid spreading germs from a dirty surface to a clean one, a process called cross-contamination. This is why for gloves to be helpful, you must change and discard them after every time they touch a “dirty” surface.

Recommended for: Healthcare professionals trained in appropriate use of gloves
Not recommended for: Protection while shopping or performing other activities that require touching many different things

Is it Safe to Wear a Mask?

You may have heard rumors that wearing a mask can lower your oxygen levels or cause serious health risks. Fortunately, these rumors are mostly not true. Unless your own personal doctor tells you that a mask is unsafe for you, you should wear a mask. There is not strong evidence that mask wearing reduces blood oxygen levels or causes breathing problems or infections.

Remember that cloth masks are best for helping to keep others safe. Therefore, wearing a cloth mask may not protect you from being infected if you visit with people who are not wearing masks. For the same reason, masks protect you best when combined with physical distancing at a space of 6 feet apart or more.

What PPE Should I Be Wearing?

Because of our levels of exposure and risk, most of us only need to wear a cloth mask. Your doctor can advise you about whether you should wear something more protective than this. You may see others wearing extra PPE. However, unless they are medical care providers, a cloth mask and possibly goggles or a face shield are enough.

If you’re interested in our COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, click here to learn more and read our most frequently asked questions about assisted living and Coronavirus.

6 Facts About Senior Living That May Surprise You

Senior Living Means Not Having to Compromise Fun for Freedom

New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care is all about personalizing your families stay as much as possible. Our caring staff wants you and your loved one to feel all the comforts of home during their stay. Each community offers a robust Life Enrichment program providing an active environment each day. Residents have the luxury of planning their own day. They can be as active as they want or as private as they choose. For some, moving into a senior living community can be very intimidating. New Haven wants your loved ones move to be as easy and comforting as possible.

Here are 6 facts about Senior Living that may surprise you.

Misconception: Senior living is arranged for a one-size-fits-all.

Fact 1: New Haven offers tailored personalized care and services to fit each resident’s unique needs. Due to our size, we are flexible to meet your loved ones needs.

Misconception: Once you move into a community you cannot leave with family or friends.

Fact 2: New Haven encourages residents to enjoy time with family and friends, whether it be within our community or outside of our community.

We encourage family and friends to visit at any time. Your family is our family.

We even allow our residents to go on vacations with families, everyone needs a vacation!

Misconception: You won’t be able to make friends.

Fact 3: Transitioning into senior living can be difficult. The team at New Haven makes every effort to ensure your loved one is engaged and part of our daily social and recreational activities.

Our residents enjoy companionship over delicious meals, friendship and caring are optimized. Limiting the number of units keeps our group small. This allows our residents to connect with others quickly and the feeling of insecurity or depression is minimized.

Misconception: There is no reason to move while you are still healthy.

Fact 4: Seniors who transition early into assisted living have a better life. They stay more physically, emotionally and mentally connected as they age, compared to those Seniors who choose to stay at home.

Staying active, eating healthy, sleeping well and taking care of oneself can slow the risk of mortality for seniors as they age. Seniors that live on their own succumb to bad habits when no one is around to encourage an active lifestyle.

Misconception: It won’t feel like home.

Fact 5: New Haven designed each of our residences to feel like a single-family home. Our small cozy size helps each new resident transition comfortably from their previous home.

New Haven provides very individualized care, robust activity programs and specially designed communities that help seniors continue to thrive with all the comforts of home.

We offer all private bedrooms and private bathrooms, residents can personalize their private apartment space to their liking. Our goal is for our residents to feel at home the moment they step in the door.

Misconception: It is far too expensive.

Fact 6: Many seniors first concern when looking for a senior living community is cost. However, it is important to examine overall cost of daily living for our seniors.

Consider your budget. Determine what sort of monthly budget you are able to afford. Consider financial resources such as VA Aid & Attendance for Veterans, Long Term Care insurance, home equity, personal income and savings or financial support from family.

Heart Health Month at New Haven

5 Heart Healthy Habits For Seniors

No matter what age you are, you can keep your heart healthy. It does take some effort and possibly some changes in your every day routine. For example: eating a heart healthy diet and increasing your activity level. Here are some suggestions to keep your, your parent’s or Senior loved one’s heart in great shape!

Eat Healthy

As we age our bodies change, less muscle mass, our bodies burn fewer calories so it is important to maintain a healthy weight.

Eating a heart healthy diet is essential in ones overall health and well-being. You can start eating healthier that by eating less red meat and incorporating more foods rich in Omega-3 acids such as salmon or trout. Eggs are also a delicious food that offers high protein along with vitamins and minerals. Try to get at least five servings of vegetables and fruits per day. Fruit and vegetables are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Dairy or milk products provide Vitamin D and calcium, so do soy, rice, and almonds. Fiber rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole-grains and nuts will also help lower blood cholesterol.

Get Updated Information on Medication Management

In order to avoid possible complications with medications, schedule frequent Physician visits to review your regimen. Make sure you’re taking your medications as prescribed by your Physician. Pre-sort pills in daily reminder boxes if you take multiple medications. Know which medications you can take together, and which medications you can’t. Also pay attention to which medications need to be taken with foods or liquids. Watch for side effects and make sure to talk about them. Dispose of old drugs that are expired or medications that are discontinued by your Physician.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep can have many effects on seniors that most might ignore. Poor quality sleep may cause memory loss or forgetfulness. Feeling groggy or less alert might lead to increased falls. Consuming too much caffeine throughout the day can affect sleep quality. Maintaining a regular bed and wake time schedule will help your body get used to a pattern. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Proper sleep helps keep your mind alert, preserves energy levels, and helps you live life to the fullest.

Stay Mentally Healthy

Many Seniors deal with mental stress, depression and anxiety. These can worsen their overall quality of life. Connecting with others as often as possible helps with isolation and loneliness. Staying in touch with family and friends which can also help create opportunities for Seniors to interact with others in their neighborhood or Assisted Living communities. Exercise can also improve mental health and might be just as affective as medications. Relieving stress, can also benefit psychological health. Getting fresh air, and a change of scenery can help boost ones mood and can be as simple as taking a walk outside. Mental exercises such as puzzles, reading and brain exercises are also important to stay mentally healthy.

Watch for Vision Changes

An annual eye checkup is a simple, low-stress way to keep tabs on your eyes and overall health. What many folks do not realize is that an eye exam can also uncover symptoms of significant health problems.

During American Heart Month in February – let’s keep #ourhearts healthier, together.

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors

Here at New Haven Assisted Living we pride ourselves on not only caring for our residents but having the ability to share our insights with everyone on things you can do at home and in the community to keep our seniors safe.

1. Stay Active

Physical activity is important for older adults. Exercise such as walking, chair aerobics, water aerobics, tai chi and stretching can help control weight, build muscles and bones, improve balance, posture and mood. Even if you suffer from heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, many of these conditions may get better with mild to moderate physical activity!

2. See your Doctor Regularly

Regular wellness visits with your healthcare provider is important. Discuss any changes in your health, review advance directives and medications. Annual screening tests are important to remember. Ask your doctor if you should be getting any new booster or immunization shots.

3. Protect Yourself From Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injuries and death among older adults. Eliminate items in your home that are trip hazard like, throw rugs, excess furniture and wet floors. Exercising can increase your strength, balance and flexibility and help avoid falls. Ask your Doctor to check your medication to make sure you are not taking anything that can make you more likely for a fall. Insert safety rails or grab bars in your bathroom and install night lights so that it is easier to see at night.

4. Keep An Active Mind

Being physically active is just as important as staying mentally active. Our brain controls happiness and as we age, mental health is an important part of being able to live independently. Some stimulating activities include arts and crafts, word games, crossword puzzles, bingo, jigsaw puzzles, trivia and reading. Keeping an active mind is essential to a healthy well-being.

5. Rekindle An Old Friendship OR Find New Friends

You are never too old to find new friends or reach out to an old one. There are many ways to connect such as social media, write a letter, a phone call or video chat. Staying social is a great way to connect with friends in your community. Attending Church, exercise classes, Senior Centers, Volunteering, and visiting with your neighbors. Socialization is vital to your health physically, mentally and emotionally.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Senior Cool in the Heat

1. Serve Cooler Foods

Keep your loved one cool this Summer hot season with some chilled and healthy alternatives to the bbq. Hot foods can increase the risk of heat exhaustion.

Add a smoothie. Smoothies are healthy fast and easy to whip up on a hot summer day. You can add extra protein powder for higher nutritional value.

Sip on chilled gazpacho soup. It always seems odd to drink cold soup, but this one is packed with vitamins and minerals to help replace what is lost when sweating and is easy to digest.

Share a fruit platter. Keep a fruit platter at the ready. These contain vitamins and nutrients and fruits like watermelon pack in some extra hydration.

2. Hydrate

High temperatures make us sweat more no matter our age. To maintain healthy seniors we want to make sure that they are hydrated to prevent heatstroke.

Sip liquids throughout the day. We lose minerals that help us absorb nutrients in the body when we sweat. Keep water bottles at the ready for easy access and to encourage your senior to drink more. You could also encourage this by adding fresh orange, strawberries or cucumber for easy sipping.

Add electrolytes. You may want to monitor to add electrolytes to water to replace what is lost when sweating. This may be of greater significance when going through a heatwave.

Cut the caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic and works against staying hydrated. Opt for a fresh herbal tea or herbal ice tea with ice is even better.

3. Opt for Cooler Clothing

Planning a day trip? Staying outside for a better part of the day? Make sure your senior is wearing lightweight breathable clothing. A looser lighter fit will prevent overheating of the body.

Light colored clothing. Lighter colored clothing reflects the sun and doesn’t absorb the heat.

Wear a hat. The bigger the better. A nice wide brim for a day trip out will help keep the sun off their head, neck and shoulders.

Sunglasses. Sunglasses are not only a style statement but the elderly can have trouble adjusting to the changes in light on a brighter day. Sunglasses will help prevent eye strain and headaches.

4. Stay out of the Sun

While it’s really nice to head out and enjoy a sunny day opting for the indoors and some AC can be a dream. Being cooped up inside can still be a downer on a Summer day but you can venture out keeping these tips in mind.

Shady Spaces – Opt for shady spaces and places when going out and use the trails and shade of trees or awnings if you’re in a for a city walk. If necessary, use some sun umbrella’s to stay out of the direct light.

Go out early or late. The really hot days can have temperatures soaring before noon but going out early or later will avoid the hottest peek times.

Sunscreen. SPF 30 or higher if your senior is going outside to prevent sunburn from aging and more sensitive skin.

5. Cool Baths

You really don’t want the bathroom to feel like a sauna in this heat so be sure to encourage your help you senior to enjoy a cool bath temperature. You don’t want to contribute to heat exhaustion.

Cool or lukewarm temperatures. After a long hot day outdoors this will be more refreshing and assist with bringing down the body temperature from being outdoors.

Cold wet towel. A cool wet towel on the back of the neck can also help in cooling down the body after sun exposure and hot days out.

Warning Signs of Heat Stroke

It’s no fun to stay indoors during the hotter months but it’s important to take these tips into account to protect you senior from heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

If you don’t live with your loved one, or perhaps it’s your neighbor, be sure to check on on them a couple of times a day. If they are experiencing headache, neausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing then be sure to call 911 or use their medical alert system.