A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be painful, uncomfortable and dangerous if left untreated. This condition is more common among older women. As a family caregiver or an adult child taking care of an elderly parent, it’s essential to equip yourself with knowledge about UTIs so you can provide the best support and care for your loved one.
Below, we explore the common causes of UTIs among older women and how to prevent them. By the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared to help your elderly loved one maintain their health and comfort.
Understanding UTIs
A UTI is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system. While anyone can get a UTI, it is more common in older women. Research shows that approximately 12.8% of older women experience UTIs, compared to 7.8% of older men.
Symptoms
While symptoms of UTIs in older women may vary, they often include:
- Discomfort, such as a burning sensation or pain while urinating
- A feeling that the bladder isn’t completely empty directly after urinating
- Thick, cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- A frequent need to urinate
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling fatigued
Just because a person has these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean they have a UTI. However, as a family caregiver or an adult looking after an elderly loved one, it’s essential to be aware of possible warning signs. If you notice them, it’s a good idea to immediately consult with a health care provider. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further complications.
It’s important to note that older adults may not always be able to communicate these symptoms clearly. It’s essential to look for changes in their behavior, increased confusion, sudden leaking or incontinence or a general decline in health.
Common Causes of UTIs Among Older Women
UTIs commonly occur after bacteria enter the urinary tract and start to spread into the bladder. Risk factors for older women include:
- Recent sexual activity: This can introduce bacteria into the urinary system.
- A previous UTI: About 25% – 30% of women who’ve had a UTI get the infection again within six months.
- Age-related changes: As women age, several physical changes occur that can make them vulnerable to UTIs. For example, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken, and the vaginal walls can begin to thin because of hormonal changes.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions like diabetes or kidney stones can increase the chances of developing UTIs.
- Hormonal changes: As people age, hormonal shifts occur. These changes can affect the urinary system. This is why understanding menopause and its symptoms is so essential.
- Catheter use: Those who currently or have recently used a urinary catheter are at an increased risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
- Nerve damage: Conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can damage the nerves that control the bladder, leading to an increased UTI risk.
- Weak immune system: A weakened immune system as a result of a current or recent illness can make it harder for the body to fight off infections, including UTIs.
How to Treat UTIs in Older Women
Once a health care provider has confirmed a diagnosis, there are a few different treatment options available.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics are often the primary treatment for UTIs. A health care provider may prescribe them based on the type of UTI and the patient’s medical history. It’s essential to follow the prescribed treatment plan and complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Symptom Management
Over-the-counter medications may help relieve some of the pain and discomfort that often occurs with UTIs.
Monitor and Follow-up
Once your loved one is receiving treatment, it’s essential to continue monitoring their progress. Note symptoms like urinary frequency, pain or pelvic discomfort to see how effective the treatment plan is. If there are any ongoing symptoms, schedule a follow-up visit with their doctor.
3 Key Prevention Strategies for UTIs in Older Women
Recurring UTIs can be challenging for older women to deal with. Being proactive in the treatment and prevention of recurrent UTIs is the best approach. Below are three effective ways to deal with urinary tract infections through prevention.
1. Hygiene Practices
Good hygiene can play an important role in preventing or reducing the risk of UTIs in older women. Remember, a UTI occurs when harmful bacteria enter the urinary tract. So, good hygiene and cleanliness can help lower the chances of an infection.
This includes:
- Cleaning the genital area gently and regularly
- Changing out of damp clothing to keep the genital area dry and reduce the chances of bacterial growth
- Always wiping from front to back after using the toilet
- Using mild, fragrance-free soaps to prevent irritation
As a family caregiver, you play a significant role in helping your loved one maintain good hygiene. You can help them in three key areas:
- Education: Educate them on proper hygiene protocols and the importance of maintaining cleanliness to help prevent UTIs.
- Communication: Create an open communication relationship where the individual you’re taking care of feels comfortable sharing their symptoms.
- Supervision: If necessary, assist them with personal hygiene routines, especially if they may have mobility challenges or cognitive limitations.
If hygiene is a challenge, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. We understand how important hygiene is not only for your loved one’s health but also for their self-esteem, well-being and dignity. That’s why Village Caregiving offers hygiene assistance services, including personal grooming, oral care and assisted bathing and toileting.
2. Staying Hydrated
Hydration is a simple yet effective way to lessen the chances of UTIs. Drinking plenty of water dilutes the urine and can help flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract.
Staying hydrated involves:
- Drinking lots of water: Encourage them to drink about 8-10 cups of water per day.
- Consuming hydrating foods: Include water-rich fruits and vegetables, like watermelon, oranges, lettuce and cucumbers, in their diet.
- Limiting dehydrating drinks: They’ll need to avoid excessive consumption of dehydrating drinks such as caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
- Staying consistent: It’s best to sip water regularly throughout the day instead of gulping large amounts at once.
In addition to educating them on how to prevent getting a UTI, encourage them to monitor their urine color. Light yellow or clear urine usually indicates good hydration, while dark yellow urine may indicate dehydration.
3. Providing Education
As a family caregiver, educating yourself about UTI prevention and treatment is important. Here are a few key areas to share with the older adult you’re caring for:
- Products to avoid: Harsh or scented soaps can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the urinary tract and increase the risk of UTIs.
- Good bladder habits: Encourage your loved one to avoid holding urine for extended periods.
- Mobility challenges: Implement a plan to address any mobility-related obstacles that can make bathroom access difficult.
Get Personalized Assistance With Village Caregiving
The above treatment and preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing UTIs in older women. If you’re looking after an older loved one who gets recurring infections, Village Caregiving can help. We offer personalized hygiene services to help them maintain their health, self-esteem and overall well-being.
Our family caregivers are trained to provide hygiene services with compassion and respect so your loved one can keep their dignity and autonomy. Contact us today to learn more.
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