If you get to the point that she can go on hospice you have a lot more say in the matter. And I agree about the follow up. It took me a while to realize that it was rediculous to have follow up visits with a cardiologist when mom was already on hospice and I knew she wasnt going to be getting any better. She had CHF. But believe me, they wont ever tell you that! They want thos dollars the follow up visits give them....
@myownlife, Not sure where you are getting your facts. Elders do have and recognize symptoms of a UTI.
An article on this website lists ALL the symptoms of a UTI in our elders. It's definitely worth knowing, because the alternative could be fatal (speaking from first hand and second hand experience).
*Typical Symptoms of UTIs* 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 in the lower pelvis. Low-grade fever. Night sweats, shaking or chills.
If you see any of these symptoms, it is critical that you start your parents on a daily 2 gram dosage of Dmanna (sugar that fights E Coli. bacteria) and 3 liters of water. This method prevents 80% of UTIs.
Glad I could help you and your families! Let me know if you have any more questions.
@josh... I am not going to argue with you. Those ARE symptoms of UTIs in elders, but many, many of the elders do NOT recognize them.
That's where the caregivers come in, being able to recognize the sometimes subtle differences. And yes, the alternative of not diagnosing and treating a UTI quickly can be the sudden onset of septicemia and death, more so in the elderly population or those with compromised health and immune systems.
@Josh - I have to agree with Myownlife. UTIs in the elderly rarely cause clear physical symptoms. My M-I-L who is in Assisted Living with dementia has frequent UTIs and NEVER has any discomfort. The staff is tipped off by her behavioral changes - more confused and balance issues. I've worked in independent senior housing for the last 20 years and see this pattern frequently.
There are now UTI home test kits available! No need to go to the ER. CVS Minute Clinic and Urgent Care centers can test for UTI. The wait there is not as long as an ER.
Myownlife: I, too, will disagree with you. My late mother raised her hand (non literal) and said "I have a UTI quite often." Also she went straight to the grocery store and bought herself cranberry juice since that was one holistic remedy.
Rosemary: That is the protocol, e.g. they will ask the patient or in your case the patient advocate (you) -- "Do you want to go to the Emergency Room?"
An article on this website lists ALL the symptoms of a UTI in our elders. It's definitely worth knowing, because the alternative could be fatal (speaking from first hand and second hand experience).
*Typical Symptoms of UTIs*
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 in the lower pelvis.
Low-grade fever.
Night sweats, shaking or chills.
*Lesser-Known UTI Symptoms in Seniors*
Confusion or delirium
Agitation
Hallucinations
Other unusual behavioral changes
Poor motor skills or loss of coordination
Dizziness
Falling
source: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/urinary-tract-infections-elderly-146026.htm
If you see any of these symptoms, it is critical that you start your parents on a daily 2 gram dosage of Dmanna (sugar that fights E Coli. bacteria) and 3 liters of water.
This method prevents 80% of UTIs.
Glad I could help you and your families! Let me know if you have any more questions.
That's where the caregivers come in, being able to recognize the sometimes subtle differences. And yes, the alternative of not diagnosing and treating a UTI quickly can be the sudden onset of septicemia and death, more so in the elderly population or those with compromised health and immune systems.
CVS Minute Clinic and Urgent Care centers can test for UTI.
The wait there is not as long as an ER.