Welcome to the October edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!
Predisposition to Infection in the Elderly
With normal aging, there are mild-to-moderate changes within the immune system. In the elderly, however, it is commonly observed that a more profound deficit occurs with regard to immune function.1 Not only do these changes render a senior susceptible to certain infections, but they also affect the clinical presentation of these infections. Atypical presentation of infection in the elderly may be so subtle that pneumonia or a urinary tract infection may manifest with a change in mental status or mild malaise as the only clinical indication of infection.
The 5 Most Common Infections in the Elderly
Common infections like influenza and UTIs can happen to anyone, but for adults over the age of 65, these illnesses may be much harder to diagnose — leading to chronic poor health, ongoing discomfort and a higher risk of hospitalization.
In fact, one-third of all deaths in seniors over 65 results from infectious diseases, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Though seniors are more susceptible to infection overall, seniors with dementia or those who are in long-term care may be at even greater risk.
Contamination in Nursing Homes
Nursing home facilities are breeding grounds for infectious diseases caused by lack of hygiene, which causes germs to spread and affect patients. This is often due to poor management. It is estimated that 380,000 patients may pass away each year due to infections contracted in these facilities. That said, infections represent a serious threat to nursing home residents. Preventing infection should be a basic part of any nursing home. In order to prevent infection in nursing homes, the facility needs to be properly staffed and trained.