UTIs are tricky.

Not only do seniors often present unique symptoms unlike the common symptoms associated with UTIs, but seniors are also more at risk for serious complications if a UTI goes untreated.

It can be difficult to recognize what symptoms mean seniors could have a UTI, how to prevent them and how to treat them if the infection occurs.

That’s where home health care can help.

Keep reading for five ways that home health care can assist in preventing and managing UTIs in seniors.

1. Educating the patient and family on common signs and symptoms of UTIs.

You may know that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common infection of the urinary system, but did you know seniors experience unique UTI symptoms?

One of those unique symptoms of a UTI for seniors is UTI delirium, or cognitive changes in seniors as a result of a UTI. In addition, seniors with a UTI might not experience any of the typical markers of a UTI like itching, burning or constant feeling of a full bladder.

Home health care plays a huge role in supporting seniors and their families by educating them on common signs and symptoms of UTIs for seniors. They can provide knowledge, resources and tools to help seniors and families stay informed.

The more you know what symptoms to look for, the more seniors and families can work to prevent UTIs before they begin.

2. Keeping a watchful eye for symptoms of a UTIs in seniors.

Another set of eyes never hurts, especially when that set of eyes is specially trained to notice the signs and symptoms of a UTI.

Because the UTI symptoms that seniors experience are similar to common symptoms of aging, they can often be overlooked. Home health care professionals are trained to know the difference between common symptoms of aging and symptoms of a UTI.

3. Reminding seniors of daily habits that prevent UTIs.

Frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the day can help seniors prevent UTIs.

Someone navigating Alzheimer’s or dementia may have a tendency to hold their bladder. If someone you love has been diagnoses with Alzheimer’s or dementia, reminding your loved one to use the restroom is just another thing to add to your list of worries. Home health is here for you. These professionals know how to prevent infections like UTIs before they happen.

In addition to emptying your bladder often, drinking water throughout the day is another way to prevent UTIs. The more a person urinates, the more their bladder and urinary tract is cleaned out reducing the risk of a future infections. In addition, one way to treat a UTI is to increase your daily water intake to flush the bacteria from your system.

Home health professionals know daily habits like these that can help prevent and treat UTIs, and they can help seniors and their families navigate them with ease.

4. Providing proper catheter care, including proper hand hygiene.

Patients with urinary catheters are at an increased risk for a UTI.

Providing appropriate catheter care and plenty of hand washing can decrease the chance of the patient getting a UTI. Proper catheter care also includes ensuring there are no kinks in the urinary catheter and checking that the collection bag is below the level of the patient’s bladder.

Home health professionals have the experience and resources to maintain proper catheter care and prevent UTIs from occurring.

5. Offering a seamless extension of your medical provider’s care right at home.

Home health care allows seniors to receive the care they need in the comfort of their own home. This can be particularly beneficial for those who have difficulty traveling or are unable to leave their home due to mobility issues.

As experts in senior health, home health care clinicians understand the signs of UTIs in seniors and can help patients receive prompt treatment. These professionals work in partnership with you or your loved one’s medical provider to ensure patient safety and prevent infections.