Learning More About Pneumonia Can Help You Keep Your Elderly Loved One Safe
Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs.
It can develop in one or both of a person’s lungs. There doesn’t seem to be any real cause for pneumonia. However, experts do suggest that it is due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi that invade a person’s lungs. No matter the cause, pneumonia inflames the air sacs which are located in the lungs. These sacs fill up with fluid, making it difficult for a person to breathe and move. Pneumonia can be serious, especially for an elderly person.
Home Care Services in Haverford PA: Learning More About Pneumonia
How does someone get pneumonia?
There are several types of pneumonia. Some of them can be contagious. It is important to understand that anyone can get pneumonia – babies, teenagers, younger adults, and senior citizens. However, the elderly population is more likely to get it. Generally, pneumonia affects a person when their immune system is weakened. This immune system can be weakened for many reasons including having the flu, a cold, or certain types of diseases. It is also commonly weakened in the elderly, as well.
What are some symptoms of pneumonia?
As a family caregiver, there are some symptoms of pneumonia that you should look for when caring for your elderly loved one. Some pneumonia symptoms include the following:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Feelings of weakness
- Pain in chest
- Confusion
- Disorientation
One problem is that many of the symptoms of pneumonia are also the same ones that occur when a person has the flu or even a cold. For this reason, many family caregivers think it will just pass. If your elderly loved one has these symptoms, be sure you or one of the home care providers has your loved one checked out by a doctor.
What to do if you think your elderly loved one has pneumonia?
If your elderly loved one experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is wise to consult with their medical team. The doctors will be able to run a simple diagnostic test to help determine if your loved one has pneumonia, the flu, or a cold. These tests usually consist of blood work, X-rays, and a Sputum test.
Conclusion
As a family caregiver, it is important to learn all you can about pneumonia when caring for your elderly loved one. It is one of the best ways to make sure your elderly loved one stays safe and healthy. Remember, if your elderly loved one experiences pneumonia symptoms, it is best to consult with their doctor as soon as possible.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Haverford PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Sources
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pneumonia
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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