What You Should Know About Pneumonia

Elderly Care in Water Mill NY

As a family caregiver it is one of your most important responsibilities to help your parent avoid illness and infection. Since elderly adults have lower immune systems than younger people, they are more susceptible to these issues and tend to suffer much more serious consequences as a result of them. One of the most severe infections that your elderly loved one is at risk of experiencing, especially during the fall and winter seasons, is pneumonia. Understanding this severe lung infection and how it can impact your parent’s health can help you to take the proper steps to give your loved one the level of care that they need to get through this condition in the best way possible.

Some things that you should know about pneumonia include:

• Approximately 50,622 people die from pneumonia throughout the United States each year
• This number accounts for nearly 16 deaths per 100,000 people
• Only just over 63 percent of the adults over the age of 64 throughout the United States has received the pneumococcal vaccination at some point in their older adulthood
• Approximately 2 million people throughout the United States each year are diagnosed with some form of pneumonia
• Elderly adults are at the highest risk of suffering from pneumonia
• Pneumonia and complications associated with this illness are the leading cause of hospitalizations after births
• Symptoms of pneumonia progress extremely quickly. Within 12 to 36 hours of the initial symptoms the senior is likely to experience marked breathlessness, severe cough, and high fever
• Pneumonia can develop from even seemingly minor infections such as sinus infections and colds, as well as more severe illnesses such as the flu

Symptoms of pneumonia may include:

• Headache
• Sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that worsens when your aging parent coughs or takes in a deep breath
• Clammy skin
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Greenish or yellowish mucus
• Shaking chills
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion

Pneumonia can quickly become fatal if not handled properly. If your aging parent has recently been ill and is not recovering or their symptoms are worsening, or they have developed any of the above symptoms, it is essential that they get to doctor as quickly as possible. This will ensure they get an accurate diagnosis and can get on the course of treatment that is right for their needs.

If your aging parent is suffering from pneumonia or you are concerned about their health, especially during the fall and winter seasons, starting elderly care for them might be the ideal solution. An elderly home care services provider can offer your aging parent a highly personalized set of services tailored to their individual needs, challenges, and limitations, including their pneumonia symptoms, as well as their personality, beliefs, and lifestyle. Through this customized approach to care, support, encouragement, and assistance this care provider can help your parent manage their condition, get through their recovery in the most effective way possible, stay healthier and safer, and avoid future infections and illnesses. With a continued care relationship, your parent can enjoy a lifestyle that is more active, engaged, and independent for a healthier, happier, and higher quality of life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elderly care in Water Mill, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

Sources:

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/pneumonia.htm

https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/top-pneumonia-facts.pdf