How can you help your elderly parents cope with loss of independence? Or, to put it another way, how to cope with increasing "dependency"? Relying on other people for assistance with basic tasks like bathing or common activities like...

The loss of independence is a burden experienced by many seniors. Understanding this "loss" is a major ingredient in assisting our elderly parents to navigate the aging process. Think about this. Most people begin to live and perform...

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common type of bacterial infection in older adults. The elderly can experience different and more severe symptoms than younger adults. Always be on the lookout for behavioral changes, which may include...

How do you diagnose a UTI? In older adults who have symptoms of a UTI, a simple urine test — called a urinalysis — can confirm infection. In some cases, the doctor requests a urine culture to identify the type...

Why do UTIs cause confusion in the elderly? The immune system of an older adult reacts differently to infection compared to younger people. Bladder infections place stress on the body. That stress can result in confusion. Abrupt changes in...

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common type of bacterial infection in older adults. UTIs affect around 10% of men and 20% of women older than age 80. Seniors may also experience different and more severe symptoms than...

How can pneumonia be prevented in older adults? You can help your elderly parents prevent contracting pneumonia by encouraging them to follow these steps: -- Get the pneumococcal vaccine. Talk to the doctor about what type of pneumococcal vaccine is right...

How do you treat pneumonia? Treatment depends, first of all, on a medical determination of cause. The goal is always to eliminate the infection. Secondly, prevent any complications, and treat symptoms to help your elderly parents feel better. Viral pneumonia...

What causes pneumonia in elderly adults? Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms entering the lungs can cause pneumonia. In the U.S., pneumonia in the elderly is usually caused by bacteria or a virus, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for...

Sometimes, symptoms of pneumonia may be different in seniors. Elderly adults with pneumonia may have a low-grade fever or even a normal temperature. They may also be less alert, show signs of confusion, or experience changes in mental awareness....