Pneumonia in the Elderly

Many adults assume that their inoculation days are long over, but keeping up with recommended vaccine schedules throughout our lives is just as important as the initial doses we received as children.

Decreasing an aging loved one’s risk of contracting preventable yet potentially deadly diseases, such as Covid-19, flu or pneumonia, is as simple as getting a shot (or two). These are the CDC guidelines for senior vaccinations.

Adults over age 65 are at a much higher risk of developing and possibly dying from pneumonia. Learn what factors can contribute to this risk and how you can protect your loved one.

The most noticeable symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is memory loss, but this progressive condition ultimately weakens the immune system and prevents the body from functioning properly. Complications like infections are often the cause of death.

Frequent hand-washing prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria and is a fundamental part of infection control. Learn the best hand-washing techniques and discover which products for good hand hygiene can help keep you and your family healthy.

When a senior is having trouble swallowing, known as dysphagia, doctors recommend thickening meals and drinks to avoid choking and aspiration. Use these tips to address dehydration and malnutrition issues in people who have a swallowing disorder.

Some diseases and age-related health conditions can reduce lung function and require a senior to use supplemental oxygen. Learn how to pay for oxygen therapy, ensure your loved one is using the right equipment and follow safety precautions.

With conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease and dementia, swallowing issues can develop that increase the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. Learn the signs of dysphagia and how to help a senior eat and drink safely.

For elderly people, influenza can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, exacerbate existing chronic medical conditions and even cause death. Vaccinations are a senior’s best defense against the flu and related complications.

Septic shock can develop from common infections and become life-threatening very quickly. Make sure you know the signs of infection and the symptoms of sepsis so you can seek treatment without delay.

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding the prevention and treatment of influenza. Get your facts straight and learn how to protect yourself and your aging loved ones from this nasty viral infection.

The only certainty when diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is that a senior’s condition will progressively worsen. The national Alzheimer’s Association has developed a very useful staging system to use as a frame of reference when coping with AD.

On its own, dementia doesn’t normally cause death. As it progresses, however, the condition can increase vulnerability to life-threatening infections.

Also known as breathing machines, ventilators are often used in hospitals as life support for patients who have difficulty breathing or who have lost all ability to breathe on their own.