Pneumonia is a bacterial disease that causes breathing difficulties and respiratory problems after an unfortunate lung infection. It is prevalent among people with chronic health problems and compromised immune systems. Unfortunately, older adults also fall in the category of people most likely to contract pneumonia.
Age tends to have a damaging impact on the immune system making older folks more susceptible to the disease. On the bright side, there are several ways to contain the deadly ailment among elders. Moving your loved one to senior assisted living near Keller, TX could give your relative access to personalized care vital in preventing pneumonia and others. The neighborhood also has quality healthcare services to provide timely diagnosis and treatment in the event of a pneumonia infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia
With an immune system that is already compromised, it can be difficult for an aged body to contain a pneumonia infection. Prevention is always better than cure. However, if the condition is past prevention, you must be on the lookout for potential symptoms.
Catching the symptoms on time can help with a quick diagnosis and a timely treatment which could eventually stop the adverse effects of pneumonia. Prominent symptoms include headache and excessive sweating. Confusion and shortness of breath also become notable. Finally, your loved one will have a cough, fever, and chills if he or she has contracted pneumonia.
Curbing Pneumonia among the Elderly
There are different prevention methods and treatment alternatives that can be utilized in mitigating the likelihood of pneumonia affecting older adults. Let us take a keen look at each of them and how they work to keep the stubborn ailment in check.
Vaccination
With influenza being a common risk factor for pneumonia, it would be prudent to get your loved one a flu shot to minimize their odds of contracting pneumonia. Influenza is a seasonal ailment thus; older adults ought to get an annual flu shot to be on the safe side. Vaccination is a remarkable option that will not only eliminate the risk of getting influenza but also stop pneumonia dead in its tracks.
Adopting Life Changes
In most cases, pneumonia is triggered by poor lifestyle choices among the elderly. The disease is bacterial and can easily spread under poor hygienic practices. It is imperative to maintain high standards of cleanliness as well if you are keen on stopping the spread of the bacteria.
A lot of adults tend to ignore or forget such simple things that could end up hurting their well-being. The situation could even worsen if the older adult has memory-related problems like dementia. In such a scenario, affected elders could have a problem taking care of their wellness and sticking to a common self-care routine.
At an assisted living community, a friendly and caring team will keep a watchful eye on residents’ well-being and ensure your loved one lives in a hygienic environment for healthy and pneumonia-free living.
Try Senior Assisted Living at Keller, TX
Senior living can be instrumental in turning around the health and well-being of your loved one. A resident-focused community like Discovery Village At Southlake provides hands-on personal care to the elderly and will be effective in protecting your loved one from diseases like pneumonia.
