3 Lifestyle Tips that Can Stave Off Urinary Tract Infections
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 8 am on
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a serious problem for elderly people, especially women and those who have urinary catheters. Because many older adults don’t have traditional symptoms of UTIs, such as burning or painful urination, these infections are often untreated until hospitalization with antibiotics is required. However, there are lifestyle changes you can help your senior loved one make to reduce the risk of these serious infections.
1. Increase Hydration
If you help your loved one make only one lifestyle change, this would be the most important to prevent UTIs. Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day promotes more frequent urination, which flushes out the bladder and prevents bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Make sure your loved one has access to water bottles in frequently used areas of the home, such as in the kitchen, by the bed, and in the living room. This can promote drinking throughout the day.A home caregiver can help your loved one make healthy lifestyle changes, including drinking plenty of fluids. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading senior home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
2. Drink Cranberry Juice
Many urologists recommend daily doses of cranberry juice to reduce the risk of a UTI. Cranberry juice makes the urine more acidic, and this acidity prevents the bacterial growth that leads to infection. However, make sure to look for labels that state “100% juice.” Those labeled “juice cocktail” are mostly water and high fructose corn syrup, with very small amounts of the actual juice.If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care. Des Moines Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
3. Practice Good Hygiene
Sometimes urinary tract infections can be caused by poor hygiene. If you suspect this might be the case for your loved one, it’s probably time to sit down and have an honest, compassionate conversation with him or her on this subject. Good hygiene habits are important to keep bacteria away from the urinary tract. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Des Moines, IA, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (515) 264-2438.
