In the fall of 2013, Grandma was very independent and living on her own and seemed to be doing well. We started to notice that Grandma was more confused when talking. She fell occasionally when getting on and off her bed. In addition, she did not drink enough (the recommended 8 glasses of clear fluid a day). She was unsupervised when going to the bathroom, and she did not clean herself properly. In hindsight, it was a time bomb ready to explode! I do not want others to go through what Grandma went through if their suffering can be prevented by knowing the signs.
Grandma and I had 2 Questions regarding UTIs:
- Why are urinary tract infections (UTI) so common in elderly women?
- What can be done to prevent Grandma from getting a UTI?
After researching websites, this is what I have learned regarding Grandma's situation:
Why are urinary tract infections (UTI) so common in elderly women?
. | Why are urinary tract infections in elderly women so common? by Jennifer Serafin, N.P., Caring.com "Source Quoted": "There are several reasons why women are at a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) as they age."
Please consider these websites: care.com and agingcare.com for more details regarding urinary tract infections. |
I now realize that all of the above reasons were contributing factors in Grandma’s UTI. Remembering back the signs of infection were there at least a month before Grandma was diagnosed with a UTI but we missed them.
What can be done to prevent Grandma from getting a UTI?
Prevention is our goal and the goal of this website and blog. When working with Grandma’s caregivers and planning her daily routine we emphasize what we call the three H’s and ways to prevent a UTI!
Hydrate
Hygiene
Health
Hygiene
Health
Hydrate
This is first area we address because of its importance. To insure that Grandma gets enough fluids, she drinks water, hot tea, soups and a nutritional smoothie made with a small amount of unsweetened fruit juice and almond milk plus other ingredients daily. (Grandma’s smoothie contents will be discussed in a future blog.) A written record of what Grandma drinks and eats is kept in a daily journal.
This is first area we address because of its importance. To insure that Grandma gets enough fluids, she drinks water, hot tea, soups and a nutritional smoothie made with a small amount of unsweetened fruit juice and almond milk plus other ingredients daily. (Grandma’s smoothie contents will be discussed in a future blog.) A written record of what Grandma drinks and eats is kept in a daily journal.
. | In Grandma's morning smoothie we add Powdered D-Mannose and powdered vitamin C. (Link to this blog will be added as soon as the blog is added.) |
Hygiene
To help prevent future UTIs Grandma's caregiver takes her to the bathroom and insures she is cleaned properly. The caregiver utilizes a daily schedule so that Grandma uses the bathroom every two hours. (Bathroom issues will be a topic in a future blog.) The caregiver is transitioning Grandma out of the adult diapers during the day and back into cotton underwear. Grandma still wears adult diapers all night.
To help prevent future UTIs Grandma's caregiver takes her to the bathroom and insures she is cleaned properly. The caregiver utilizes a daily schedule so that Grandma uses the bathroom every two hours. (Bathroom issues will be a topic in a future blog.) The caregiver is transitioning Grandma out of the adult diapers during the day and back into cotton underwear. Grandma still wears adult diapers all night.
Health
Keeping Grandma healthy is the best defense against future UTI’s . We use high quality vitamins and supplements which Grandma takes throughout the day. We have experienced these supplements build up her immune system and feel a few specific supplements promote a healthy urinary tract.
Keeping Grandma healthy is the best defense against future UTI’s . We use high quality vitamins and supplements which Grandma takes throughout the day. We have experienced these supplements build up her immune system and feel a few specific supplements promote a healthy urinary tract.
. | Grandma takes the recommended doses of D-Mannose, Cranactin, Juniper Berries, and Hydrangea in capsule form throughout each day. |
Grandma’s primary care doctor and an expert in nutrition are both consulted before beginning any supplementation. (A full listing of vitamins and supplements that Grandma takes daily will be included in future blogs.)
Grandma takes an excellent quality probiotic daily and we feel this is of utmost importance in maintaining her good health.
Probiotics are essential due to Grandma's history of having had C.diff (Clostridium Difficile bacteria) and recurrent UTIs. (C.diff will be a topic in a future blog.)
Probiotics are essential due to Grandma's history of having had C.diff (Clostridium Difficile bacteria) and recurrent UTIs. (C.diff will be a topic in a future blog.)
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. | DISCLAIMER: Before Taking or Giving supplements consider the person(s) may have an entirely different profile! Always ask your doctor first and/or work with a knowledgeable health care practitioner before ingesting products shared in this blog. Consider each person is different and therefore supplementation needs to be personalized for each individual. |
Alzheimers.org.uk states when a person has more than 2 episodes of urinary tract infections in 3 months, it is described as recurrent.
. | From: Caring.com Article: What can I do to have regular bowel movements? Source Quote, "Things that can increase constipation:" "2) Lack of physical exercise/ immobility" |
. | From: AgingCare.com Article: Urinary Tract Infections in the Elderly Source Quote, "Why Do the Elderly Develop UTIs?" "Immobility" |
. | From: Alzheimer's Society Article: Urinary tract infection (UTI) and dementia Source "Tips to prevent UTI" Quote, "Eating foods high in fibre, drinking plenty of liquids and exercising can help to prevent constipation." |
. | From: Alzheimer's Society Article: Urinary tract infection (UTI) and dementia Source Quote, "Recurrent UTI - If a person has more than two episodes of urinary tract infection in three months, this is described as recurrent." |
It has been a challenge preventing Grandma from having recurrent urinary tract infections . . .
Grandma takes no prescription medications. Periodically, she has blood work done by her physician. The Physician has a list of all her supplements which we update during office visits. Grandma's blood pressure and temperature are taken daily by her caregiver and periodically either by the visiting nurse and/or at the doctor’s visits. I am thankful that she has excellent blood pressure readings and good blood work in general and does not require any prescription medicines.
Grandma presently uses a wheelchair. In the past, she has received physical therapy in a rehab center and also at home. At this time, her caregivers continue the exercises that the home health physical therapist trained them to do. They are diligent and consistent with her exercises since it is such an important part of her recovery.
Grandma’s urine is checked with the home kit AZO strips every Friday and more often when we see signs that the infection may be coming back.
Over the past 15 months, warding off UTIs has been a priority. Please do not be overwhelmed. Preventing a UTI in the elderly can be a lifesaver!
UTIs that become antibiotic resistant can be devastating. The next blog topic will be about Grandma's experience with C-diff (Clostridium Difficile).
UTIs that become antibiotic resistant can be devastating. The next blog topic will be about Grandma's experience with C-diff (Clostridium Difficile).
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