The Risks of Pneumonia for Seniors

Victoria Senior Health  |  February 2, 2019

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

The Risks of Pneumonia for Seniors | Heart disease and cancer usually top the list of health concerns of aging adults, but pneumonia is also life-threatening, especially for seniors. Over a million people are hospitalized each year in our country for pneumonia, and many are over 65 years of age. Seniors are predisposed to pneumonia as they get older.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection initiated by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The immune system weakens with aging, reducing natural defences to colds, flu and infections. Therefore, seniors are more susceptible to health problems and slower recovery. When an older adult is in a weakened state, perhaps recovering from illness or surgery, they are even more vulnerable.

Pneumonia is commonplace for seniors but not a normal part of aging. We can lessen the likelihood of pneumonia by taking precautions. There’s no guarantee, but we can reduce risk as much as possible with the following suggestions.

Difficulties for Seniors with Pneumonia:

It may be harder for seniors to cough to clear their lungs. Even a common cold can lead to lung infection quickly. Parkinson’s disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, HIV, cardiac disease, and other conditions will create even greater challenges for quick recovery.

Four Tips to Take Precautions to Manage The Risks of Pneumonia for Seniors: 

Tip #1. Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations:

Talk with your doctor about vaccinations for flu and pneumonia and follow his or her advice.

Tip #2. Wash Hands Often:

Wash your hands often and keep sanitizer in your purse or pocket for times when you can’t avoid touching germy surfaces like door handles.

Tip #3. Stop smoking:

Smokers reduce their immunity and are at a higher risk for many illnesses, so stop!

Tip #4. Build Immunity:

Ask your physician about a diet to strengthen your immunity this year.

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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