Something as simple as a urinary tract infection can be remarkably difficult for you to notice in your senior. She may not have the usual symptoms of pain during urination that clue her in that there’s something wrong. So it can fall to you to notice that there’s something not quite right happening in her body.
She’s Experiencing Lower Back or Abdominal Pain
It’s common with a urinary tract infection to experience pain in the bladder area or in the lower back. But if your elderly family member doesn’t realize that this pain is because of a UTI, she might blame it on something else, like an old back sprain or other injuries. If she does experience pain in these areas, it’s worth having the situation checked out by her doctor.
She’s Feeling Dizzy or Unstable
A bladder infection can leave your elderly family member feeling woozy, especially right after she stands up. She might feel as if she can’t walk properly and complain that walking is difficult. If she doesn’t mention that she is noticing issues with her body, you or home care professionals might notice that she’s unsteady on her feet or seems to have trouble walking.
She’s Having Trouble Standing Up
Pain in the bladder can make it difficult for your elderly family member to stand up. That’s usually because of swelling in the area around her bladder. Your senior might also feel as if when she stands she immediately has the urge to go to the bathroom and urinate. Sometimes your elderly family member might not realize she’s not standing straight when she does stand up, either.
She’s Irritable or Confused
One really common symptom for aging adults who are experiencing a bladder infection is emotional and behavioral changes. Your elderly family member might suddenly be confused or extremely irritable, seemingly without reason. This symptom can be a scary one for you and for your senior because you might worry that this means she is developing cognitive illnesses, like dementia. It’s important to rule out other possible causes, like a bladder infection.
She Has a Fever
A bladder infection is a type of infection. As such, your elderly family member might experience a slight fever. If she’s not sure why she’s experiencing a fever, her doctor should rule out other possible causes. It’s never a good idea to ignore a fever, even if it’s a seemingly mild one. A minor bladder infection can quickly become a more severe kidney infection. Having someone like elder care providers with your senior on a regular basis can be a good way to stay on top of mild symptoms like a fever so that you can take action quickly.
The symptoms of a bladder infection can be really difficult to spot in an older adult. Having experienced home care providers working with your senior is so helpful because they can notice the small changes in your senior’s physical and mental behaviors that can indicate that she’s dealing with a UTI.
Aviva In-Home Care provides compassionate and skilled in-home care. We are the Bay Area’s premier provider of in-home care services.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Care in San Carlos, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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