Pneumonia in Seniors: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Senior Caregivers  |  January 27, 2020

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Pneumonia Causes, Treatments and Prevention

Pneumonia in Seniors | Due to their weaker immune systems, seniors are more prone to infections, such as pneumonia. This condition is caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses that manage to enter the lungs and trigger inflammation. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs and it can be mild as well as severe. In some cases, pneumonia can lead to death.

Why is Pneumonia More Common in Seniors?

Changes to the lungs as we age. Older adults are often not able to get rid of the secretions from their lungs. These discharges eventually go down into bronchial tubes and cause the infection.

Weakened immune systems. Seniors, especially those who received chemotherapy, had an organ transplant or have been using certain medications for a long period, have weak immune systems and therefore are prone to infections.

Senior health conditions. Some conditions can increase the likelihood of infections. Seniors with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, HIV, cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD are more likely to get pneumonia.

Signs of Pneumonia in Seniors

Seniors who have pneumonia will show symptoms such as coughing, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

Treatments for Pneumonia in Seniors

To see whether a senior has pneumonia, a doctor will do a chest X-ray and blood test. Those who are diagnosed with this condition will receive medications, as well as fluids, oxygen, and painkillers.

Reducing the Risk of Pneumonia in Seniors

There are several ways seniors can maintain their health and avoid pneumonia. To reduce the risk of infection older adults should discuss their options with their doctor and determine the best plan.

Get vaccinated. Aside from getting their annual flu shot, seniors should also receive a pneumococcal vaccine that protects against pneumonia bacteria.

Take steps to quit smoking. Smokers are more prone to pneumonia. Smoking can significantly weaken lung defense mechanisms so taking steps to quit this habit is necessary.

Practice a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet and a physician-approved exercise routine can improve senior’s health and reduce the risk of infection.

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

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™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service which offers respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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