Pneumonia in Seniors: Causes, Treatments & Prevention

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  November 30, 2020

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Pneumonia

Pneumonia in Seniors | As seniors age, their bodies become more susceptible to various types of infections – including pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames one or both lungs and can range from mild to severe. Unfortunately, older adults are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. To make matters worse, pneumonia in seniors typically ends with a fatal outcome.

Common Reasons Pneumonia in Seniors is More Prevalent

Just like the rest of our body, the respiratory system undergoes certain changes as we age. Because of this, seniors sometimes cannot get rid of secretions in their lungs effectively, which end up in their bronchial tubes and cause an infection.

As the human immune system gets weaker with age, when seniors do develop this kind of infection, their body has a much harder time fighting it off than a younger person would. Then there are health issues that can further deteriorate one’s immunity in golden years – recent organ or bone marrow transplant, long-term steroid use, and chemotherapy.

Furthermore, certain chronic conditions associated with aging put seniors at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. This may include diabetes, Parkinson’s, asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (otherwise known as COPD), as well as bronchiectasis.

Pneumonia in Seniors: The Signs and Symptoms

The most common signs of pneumonia include a strong cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing out green or yellow pus, and fatigue. If your loved one complains about any of these symptoms, have them consult with their physician immediately.

Pneumonia in Seniors: Available Treatments

When a physician suspects pneumonia, a chest X-ray and/or blood test are typically conducted to determine the cause and nature of pneumonia. If it is bacterial, pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. At times when the infection is viral, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine. Other treatment options for pneumonia include fluids, oxygen, painkillers, and medical support.

Pneumonia in Seniors: Risk Reduction

Your aging loved one can significantly reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia by:

• Getting vaccinated with the annual flu shot and receiving a one-time pneumococcal vaccine.
• Washing & sanitizing hands and practicing good hygiene all-round.
• Quitting smoking
• Exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet

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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