Personal Care at Home – What Seniors Can Do To Prevent UTIs
Seniors are prone to getting urinary tract infections. When left untreated UTIs in seniors can cause serious symptoms including confusion, mood changes, and fevers. It’s important for seniors with UTIs to get prompt treatment.
Because the symptoms of UTIs can be so serious for seniors it’s strongly recommended that seniors who find hygiene challenging have personal care at home. With personal care at home seniors have discreet and compassionate help with hygiene tasks like toileting and showering. Personal care at home can help seniors avoid getting UTIs. Some other things seniors can do to avoid getting UTIs include:
Drink Water And Cranberry Juice
Staying hydrated is key in preventing UTIs. Seniors should be drinking water regularly throughout the day in order to stay hydrated and flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. But seniors should also be drinking unsweetened cranberry juice daily. Unsweetened cranberry juice is great for urinary and bladder health. It can help prevent UTIs and kill bacteria in the urinary tract.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Proper hygiene is crucial for preventing UTIs. Seniors should make sure to wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the urinary tract. Seniors that are battling incontinence should have personal care at home to make sure they are maintaining proper hygiene.
Empty the Bladder Regularly
Seniors need to use the bathroom often. Regularly emptying the bladder can help prevent the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. It’s a good idea for seniors to get in the habit of going to the bathroom once an hour or once every couple of hours just to make sure they aren’t holding any urine. This is especially important for seniors with dementia who may not recognize when they need to use the bathroom.
Choose Comfortable Clothing
Wearing loose-fitting, breathable underwear and clothing can help prevent moisture buildup and create an environment less conducive to bacterial growth.
Avoid Irritants
Seniors should avoid using harsh soaps, scented products, and douches in the genital area. These can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and irritate the urinary tract.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity can help improve circulation and promote overall immune system function, which may contribute to preventing UTIs.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports overall immune system health. Antioxidant-rich foods can help the body fight off infections.
Avoid Holding Urine
Seniors should avoid delaying trips to the bathroom when they feel the urge to urinate. Holding urine can lead to the multiplication of bacteria in the urinary tract.
Manage Diabetes
For seniors with diabetes, proper management of blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent UTIs. High blood sugar levels can contribute to bacterial growth in the urinary tract.
Be Cautious with Catheters
If a senior requires a urinary catheter, it’s important to follow proper care guidelines to prevent infection. Catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, so regular cleaning and maintenance are essential.
Regular Medical Check-ups
Regular visits to healthcare professionals can help detect any potential urinary tract issues early on. Seniors should communicate any symptoms or concerns to their doctors promptly.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring personal care at home in Glenolden, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
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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