Lyme Disease: What Seniors Should Know About the Season Ahead

Senior Safety  |  April 11, 2024

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Seasonal Safety and Getting Outdoors

What is Lyme Disease? | Ticks are small arachnids that travel through a behaviour known as questing. They perch themselves on tall blades of grass or plant stems and wait for something – or someone – to brush past. That’s when they attach themselves, and bite down into the skin to feed on blood. 

Research shows that the tick population in Canada has grown and the number of cases related to tick-borne disease has risen. As a result, Lyme disease is a growing concern. While Lyme disease can be dangerous for all ages, it poses a much greater risk for seniors, whose immune systems are generally less effective.

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 in Seniors with Lyme Disease

Tick bites are prevalent from April through September and are found throughout Canada. Given their commonality, people may remove the tick and move on, viewing them more as a nuisance and not thinking of what may be happening under the skin. 

Furthermore, ticks secrete a natural anesthetic when they bite. In some cases, people may not be aware that they’ve been bitten. For that reason, seniors must understand the early signs of Lyme disease. The sooner they begin treatment, the greater their chances of overcoming the illness.

Signs of Lyme Disease for Seniors to Lookout For:

One of the difficulties in diagnosing Lyme disease in seniors is that many symptoms mimic those found in other conditions and diseases commonly found in older adults.

Take the case of songwriter and actor, Kris Kristofferson. 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. 

Above all, seniors who report symptoms such as those listed below should speak with their physician. Inform the doctor if the senior has spent time outside. In the end, when Lyme disease is detected, an antibiotic will be prescribed and the infection will resolve within two to three weeks.

Lyme Disease Signs and Symptoms:

• Fever, chills, and joint aches
• A rash with a bull’s eye-like appearance (a small red bump just after a tick bite is common and not always indicative of Lyme disease)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Intense migraines
• Dizziness and shortness of breath
• Problems with short-term memory

But as mentioned, 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. In the same way, if late-stage Lyme disease is treated, the lingering effects, such as fatigue and nausea, may never fully go away.

Four Tips to Reduce the Risk of Lyme Disease in Seniors

Lyme disease is undoubtedly a great risk for seniors, but it should not deter them from enjoying the outdoors. It’s important to realize that taking a few precautionary steps can help seniors avoid ticks almost entirely. 

Tip #1. Appropriate Cover:

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

Tip #2. Repellent:

When temperatures are warmer and longer clothing isn’t a sensible option, apply a tick-repellent product as recommended. 

Tip #3. Mindful Steps:

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

Tip #4. Scan Yourself:

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

As a result, spending time outside can be a key component of our physical and emotional well-being. At Comfort Keepers®, we want to ensure that seniors have the means to do so. Interactive 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. 

The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC is Comfort Keepers®

Firstly, 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! 

In-home elderly care services provided by Comfort Keepers® Victoria

Trained caregivers from Comfort Keepers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Interactive Caregiving™ from Comfort Keepers® Victoria can help families

Moreover, 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. As a result, personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC

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

For families who 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

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

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: