UTI’s (Article 8) - What is the treatment for a urine infection in older people?

UTI’s - What is the treatment for a urine infection in older people?

A course of an antibiotic medicine will usually clear the infection quickly. You should see a doctor if your symptoms are not gone, or nearly gone, after a few days.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually ease any pain, discomfort, or high temperature (fever).

An underlying cause such as an enlarged prostate or constipation may be found and need treatment.

If you have an infection of your bladder (cystitis) then having plenty to drink is traditional advice to flush out the bladder. However, there is no proof that this is helpful when you have cystitis. Some doctors feel that it does not help and drinking lots may just cause more (painful) toilet trips. Therefore, it is difficult to give confident advice on whether to drink lots or just to drink normally when you have mild symptoms of cystitis. However, if you have a high temperature (fever) and/or feel unwell, having plenty to drink helps to prevent having a lack of fluid in your body (dehydration).

Keeping Independent

I'm currently enjoying sometime away with my young family, enjoying some Sun on the Costa Blanca.

As a family we are extremely lucky to have family living here so our holidays are for us cheaper than the average.

My brother and his partner live in an area that is extremely child orientated and the elderly are treated as important contributors to the rest of society.  In typical Spanish fashion generations share the same home and my family is no different living with my brothers mother-in-law who my boys affectionately refer to as nanny D.

Nanny D is 89, and enjoying every moment of life.  There are no known medical problems with nanny D only those you expect from a lady who is 89 going on 15!

”I hope I die before I get old!”

People not Policy

I started writing this article mid-way through writing an article entitled Person Centred Care, the two simply came together as ultimately they both have the same outcome.

We need to be more focussed on the individual than on what policy dictates.  I did struggle with this article though, it wasn’t a simple as putting words down, I needed to be honest we you the reader and with myself.

I don’t like policy, fine they help guide us through our jobs but they seem to be so restrictive.  I deal with people, people I work with here at the Edith Ellen Foundation, the elderly people I meet in our journey to achieve a better standard or care and the families of those I meet.

UTI’s (Article 7) - Are any tests needed?

UTI’s - Are any tests needed?

In some cases, the diagnosis may be obvious and no tests are needed.

A test on a urine sample can confirm the diagnosis and identify what germ (bacterium) is causing the infection. Sometimes a "dipstick" test can provide enough information immediately. In other cases, the urine sample is sent to a laboratory for further examination under a microscope. This result takes several days.

Further tests are not usually necessary if you are otherwise well and have a one-off infection. However, your doctor may advise tests of your kidney, prostate, or bladder if an underlying problem is suspected.

An underlying problem is more likely if the infection does not clear with antibiotic medication, or if you have:

• Symptoms that suggest a kidney is infected (and not just the bladder).

• Recurring urine infections (for example, two or more episodes in a three-month period).

• Had problems with your kidney in the past, such as kidney stones or a damaged kidney.

• Symptoms that suggest an obstruction to the flow of urine.

Information for people on their visiting rights in care homes

After years of discussion with families and residents using care homes, the CQC released new information on their rights when visiting care homes.

This, is an important turn around for the CQC with Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care stating what campaigners have been saying all along - care homes are people's homes.  They, their families and friends should not live in fear of being penalised for raising concerns. And, a massive step in the right direction achieved by campaigners who selflessly, tirelessly dedicated their time and lives without the expectations of recognition.

There is, I fear, a loophole one which I personally believe some of the more unscrupulous care providers will exploit - this being that the use of "fear of threat to residents/staff"

UTI’s (Article 6) - What are the symptoms of a urine infection?

UTI’s - What are the symptoms of a urine infection?

Infection in the bladder (cystitis) usually causes pain when you pass urine. You pass urine more frequently. You may also have pain in your lower tummy (abdomen). Your urine may become cloudy, bloody or offensive-smelling. You may have a high temperature (fever).

Infection in the kidneys may cause you to feel generally unwell. There may be a pain in your back. This is usually around the side of the back (the loin), where each kidney is located. You may have a high fever. You may feel sick, or be sick (vomit).

In some older people the only symptoms of the urine infection may be a recent onset of confusion or just feeling generally unwell. The confusion is caused by a combination of factors such as having a fever and having a lack of fluid in the body (dehydration). The confusion should pass when the infection has been treated.