UTIs in the Elderly: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Do you know the signs to look for in your loved one?
Although anyone can get a urinary tract infection (UTI), seniors are especially vulnerable and often suffer more severe symptoms. According to studies, over one-third of all infections in people living in nursing homes are UTIs. UTIs are the most common type of infection requiring hospitalization (34%) among the elderly in our country.
Despite how common these infections are, UTIs are difficult to catch in elderly adults because most do not exhibit any of the hallmark signs of a UTI. This makes it essential for formal and informal caretakers to know how to prevent UTIs and understand the signs and symptoms of these infections.
Symptoms of a UTI in Older Adults
Older adults may not experience any of the typical symptoms when they have a UTI. This is because their weakened immune systems are unable to mount a significant response to the infection. Acute behavioral and/or functional changes are often the only symptoms that present in the elderly, so it is crucial for family caregivers to keep an eye out for these sudden changes in behavior and mental state.
The most common UTI symptoms in the elderly are:
- Confusion or delirium
- Hallucinations
- Sudden changes in behavior or agitation
- Other unusual behavioral changes
- Fever or chills
- Nausea
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Excessive urination at night
- Painful urination
- Pelvic pain
- Urine with abnormal color or odor
- Poor motor skills or loss of coordination
- Dizziness
- Falling
One of the biggest challenges to addressing UTIs in the elderly is that they can mimic the symptoms of other issues like Alzheimer’s. In younger adults, a UTI is often painful and obvious. However, these symptoms change as we age, and older adults may not experience pain at all. In addition, not all patients are able to easily notice or communicate a problem, especially when it is accompanied by confusion. These challenges made atypical symptoms difficult to detect before, but new technology is now making it possible to measure UTI risk.
One valuable tool to utilize in preventing and detecting UTIs is remote monitoring wearables like Somatix. Patented AI-powered smartbands like Somatix’s SafeBeingᵀᴹ wristband track changes in activity to provide clinical and predictive insights such as UTI risk. By analyzing data on nighttime urinary frequency, water intake, and other important variables, SafeBeingᵀᴹ may predict a UTI in its early stage when it’s easier to treat. One long-term study conducted by the Wharton School of Business found a 52% reduction in UTIs after a skilled nursing facility adopted Somatix’s smartband.
How To Prevent UTIs in Older Adults
When caught early, UTI treatment is relatively uncomplicated and only requires a course of antibiotics. Left untreated, however, a UTI can spread and lead to kidney damage or sepsis, which both require hospitalization and increase one’s risk for falls and injury.
These challenges make UTI prevention of paramount importance. Practicing good hygiene and staying well hydrated is key to aiding the body to prevent infection. As more digital health companies continue to innovate, smartbands are also proving their value in preventing UTIs.
Other tips include:
- Drink plenty of fluids (eight 8oz glasses recommended daily)
- Drink cranberry juice
- Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol
- Use D-Mannose powder
- Avoid douches or other irritants
- Urinate as soon as possible when the need arises
- Wipe from front to back
- Check adult diapers every 2 hours
- Promptly and frequently change soiled incontinence briefs
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and change them at least once a day
- Keep the genital area clean and dry
- Set reminders/timers for seniors who are memory impaired to try to use the bathroom instead of an adult brief
- Use a smartband that is proven to track UTIs
