Urinary Tract Infections in the Elderly

Wondering if you or a loved one has a UTI?

You’re not alone.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are one of the most commonly diagnosed infections in older adults.

A UTI is an infection of the urinary system. It happens when bacteria in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys are present in the urine.

As our population ages, it’s more important to know how to diagnose UTIs, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from happening in the future.

If left untreated, a UTI can lead to acute or chronic kidney infections. This could permanently damage these vital organs and even lead to kidney failure.

Knowing the information below may help.

Common Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

If you’re wondering whether you or a loved one has a UTI, look for these symptoms:

Urine that appears cloudy or dark
Bloody urine
Strong or foul-smelling urine
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Pain or burning during urination
Feelings of pressure or pain in the lower pelvis
Low-grade fever
Night sweats, shaking or chills

UTI Symptoms in the Elderly

In addition to the common symptoms listed above, there are also some less-common symptoms you or your loved one should look for. These UTI symptoms only present themselves in the elderly.

The reason to know about and look out for these symptoms is that some of them are often mistaken for the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

These symptoms include:

Confusion or delirium
Agitation
Hallucinations
Other unusual behavioral changes
Poor motor skills or loss of coordination
Dizziness
Falling

What Causes UTIs in the Elderly?

The main cause, at any age, for a UTI is bacteria entering the urinary system.

In older adults who use catheters or live in a nursing home or other full-time care facilities, bacteria such as Enterococci and Staphylococci are common causes.

Risk Factors for UTIs in the Elderly

Aging adults are more at risk for UTIs than younger populations according to the NIH. The reasons they’re more susceptible to UTIs include:

Diabetes
Urinary Retention (inability to empty the bladder completely, even if your loved one has just used the bathroom)
Use of a urinary catheter
Bowel incontinence
Urinary incontinence
Enlarged prostate
Immobility (for example, those who must lie in bed for extended periods of time)
Surgery of any area around the bladder
Kidney stones

UTI Treatment for the Elderly

Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics as the treatment for UTIs in older adults. It’s best to see your doctor to get a treatment plan.

Also, make sure you drink plenty of water to flush out any remaining bacteria.

How to Prevent UTIs in the Elderly

If you’re looking to reduce your chance of infection, work these steps into your routine:

Drink plenty of fluids
Change incontinence briefs frequently
Avoid or reduce the use of bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol
Wipe front to back after going to the bathroom
Avoid using douches
Urinate as soon as you have to
Drink cranberry juice (not proven to prevent UTIs, but likely not harmful)

Contact Sonas for Home Care Services in Florida

If you or an aging loved one is experiencing a UTI or has experienced several UTIs, you may be considering home care services in Florida.

At Sonas Home Health Care, we’re passionate about home care services that bring love, light, and laughter into the homes and communities we serve. Contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care, call (888) 592-5855.

Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3878051/
https://www.healthline.com/health/uti-in-elderly#8
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.