Ticks and Lyme Disease: What Seniors Should Know 

Senior Safety  |  April 11, 2024

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Seasonal Outdoor Safety.

Ticks and Lyme Disease | Ticks are small arachnids biting down into skin and attaching themselves to feed on the blood. During warmer months, ticks perch themselves on tall blades of grass or plant stems and wait for something – or someone – to brush past. This is a behaviour known as questing. 

Research shows that the Canadian tick population has grown significantly over the last few decades. As a result, the number of cases related to the diseases they carry has risen. Lyme disease, in particular, is of growing concern.

Most importantly, Lyme disease can be dangerous to all ages. However, for seniors and those with compromised immune systems, it poses a much greater risk.

Ticks and Lyme Disease FACTS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 300,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed in North America each year.

The Importance of Early Detection of Lyme Disease

Throughout Canada, tick bites are prevalent from April through September.  Ticks secrete a natural anesthetic when they bite and some may not even be aware that they’ve been bitten. Without consideration, many people may remove the tick, viewing it more as a nuisance, and move on. But, there may be something happening under the skin.

For this reason, seniors must understand the early signs of Lyme disease. The sooner they begin treatment, the greater their chances of overcoming the illness.

Ticks and Lyme Disease FACTS: Songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson was misdiagnosed for years as having Alzheimer’s, when in fact the source of his memory loss was caused by Lyme disease. Detailed information, in this case, is paramount to diagnosis and treatment. 

Lyme Disease Symptoms that Seniors Should Be Aware Of:

Diagnosing Lyme disease can be difficult at any age. For seniors, many of the Lyme Disease symptoms mimic symptoms found in other conditions and diseases common for their demographic. 

With that said, time is of the essence when it comes to Lyme disease, and seniors should never shrug off the symptoms. The longer Lyme disease goes untreated in seniors, the harder it becomes to cure. Left untreated for a time can cause lingering effects, such as fatigue and nausea. These effects may never fully go away.

For this reason, consider the following list of Lyme Disease Symptoms:

1. Fever, chills and joint aches
2. A bull’s eye rash (small red bump with bull eye-like appearance
3. Swollen lymph nodes
4. Intense migraine
5. Dizziness and shortness of breath
6. Problems with short-term memory

If seniors report symptoms such as those listed above to their physician, it’s important also to let them know if there was time spent outside. If Lyme disease is detected, an antibiotic will be prescribed and the infection will resolve within two to three weeks.

Four Tips to Reduce the Risk of Ticks and Lyme Disease in Seniors

Lyme disease is undoubtedly a great risk for seniors, but it should not deter them from enjoying the outdoors. Taking a few precautionary steps can help seniors avoid these bloodsuckers almost entirely. 

Tip #1. Appropriate Clothing:

Before embarking on a walk or hike, it’s important that clothing covers the arms and legs. Ticks are more likely to attach themselves there. 

Tip #2. Tick-Repellent:

When warmer out and longer clothing isn’t a sensible option, applying a tick-repellent product is recommended. 

#3. Stay on Trails:

Sticking to the center of trails or walking paths can also help, as can avoiding areas of high or thick vegetation, if possible. 

#4. Final Inspection:

Upon returning from outside, seniors should also check themselves thoroughly for the presence of ticks or indications of a tick bite.

Senior Well-Being in Edmonton, Alberta!

Spending time outside can be a key component of our physical and emotional well-being, and at Comfort Keepers®, we want to ensure that seniors have the means to do so. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help clients dress appropriately for a hike or walk – with clothing that will reduce the risk of tick bites – and accompany them every step. 

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elder Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. We offer retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, and companionship care. Our care services also provide end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and more! 

Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Comfort Keepers trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ offers a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Empathetic caregiving starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs.

Home Care Edmonton

If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. 

Is Invoicing Modelling and Client Direct Home Care the Right Option for You?

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Read more about the program HERE.

Recently awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada, our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services. This demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton. Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

---

References:
Government of Canada. “Lyme Disease”. Web 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease.” Web. 2018.
ThoughtCo. “How Do Ticks Get On You?” by Debbie Hadley. Web. 2017.
Interim Healthcare. “Are ticks dangerous for the elderly?” Web. 2018.
Next Avenue. “Kris Kristofferson’s ‘Dementia’ Was Lyme Disease” by Emily Gurnon. Web. 2016.

Share This Post: