Anyone dealing with pneumonia in elderly parents?

My mom gets pneumonia at least once per year. She has medication pre-prescribed for when she feels it coming on. I have learned to take precaution when she is on it. She likes to spend BIG money. We have had the house painted inside and out(she was hospitalized), had a new shed built in the backyard(still nothing in it), remodeled the bathroom(she hasn't been in the bathroom in years), and I know the kitchen is next. When the prednisone comes out again, I am removing the ipad, shopping catalogs and the phone from her reach! Good luck to you.

Good advice, as always, pstiegman! This is nearly always a good thing to do. The only down side can be with some asthma patients who can have problems if humidity is very high. In this case, however, I'd think it could be helpful. I'd still have your mother checked out if you are afraid she is ill since she sounds quite vulnerable. It's also flu season so if she hasn't had a flu shot, you should check with her doctor about that.
Carol

In extremely cold temperatures most homes are very dry. Add humidification to her room at night. A cheap steamer works just fine.

It's good that you are taking her to the doctor. Pneumonia takes the lives of many elderly people, so it's important to treat it quickly if she is otherwise in pretty good heath.

For someone in late stage dementia or another illness, pneumonia can sometimes be nature's way of taking elders without more prolonged suffering, but this does not sound like such a case. Good luck. I hope she gets better soon.
Carol