Aging in place fosters independence and well-being by letting seniors age comfortably in their own homes. Those aren’t the only benefits, however, especially with skilled nursing in place. Not only can seniors remain in familiar surroundings, but they can also benefit from reduced infection risks, which is crucial as they age.

Recognizing the Risks of Infection for Seniors

The immune system naturally deteriorates with age, leaving seniors more vulnerable to diseases. This added to the other difficulties they face, such as ongoing medical issues, diminished mobility, and compromised skin integrity, which might raise their risk of infection. Typical infections that might come into play include the following:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Usually brought on by bacteria getting into the urinary tract, UTIs can be especially problematic for seniors who have mobility issues and difficulty maintaining their hygiene.
• Pneumonia: Due to their potential for already-weakened respiratory health, seniors are more vulnerable to this illness, which could result in hospitalization.
• Skin Infections: If wounds and pressure sores are not adequately cared for, infections may occur. The good news is that skilled nursing offers wound treatment and can also provide loved ones and seniors with tips to ensure optimum skin health.
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Seniors are already at risk for increased GI issues, but problems such as foodborne illnesses or medication side effects can worsen the issue.

The Function of Skilled Nursing in Infection Control

By implementing critical procedures, skilled nursing significantly lowers the risk of infection. While these procedures will differ depending on the circumstances, the following are common:

• Frequent Observation and Evaluation: Skilled nursing conducts routine examinations to find infection early warning indicators, monitor vital signs, pay attention to test results, and more. These evaluations help them find issues before they become more significant.
• Medication Administration: Infection prevention requires careful medicine administration. Skilled nurses are trained to watch for negative responses to medications and make sure that all prescriptions, including antibiotics and those for long-term illnesses, are given correctly.
• Handling and Managing Wounds: Infection prevention depends on providing effective wound care. As mentioned above, skilled nursing services offer specialized training that focuses on caring for surgical wounds, pressure sores, and other skin problems.
• Teaching Seniors Good Practices: Infection prevention depends on stringent cleanliness standards. With skilled nursing by their side, seniors can learn about these standards and work to improve areas where they may be lacking. Also, home care can assist seniors who might need assistance with these tasks, such as cleaning their homes regularly.
• Education: One of the most important aspects of skilled nursing care is teaching seniors and their families how to prevent infections. Home health can offer advice on how to spot infection symptoms and prevention measures.

For seniors aging in place, skilled nursing services are priceless. Skilled nurses contribute to the reduction of infection risks by offering knowledgeable care, education, and preventive measures, making living environments for seniors safer and more comfortable. They also give loved ones peace of mind, knowing their family members are well cared for.

Sources:

https://www.fairviewrehab.com/nursing-care/prevent-infections-adults-seniors/
https://healthiswealthhomecare.com/how-skilled-nursing-helps-reduce-infection-risk-in-seniors/

If you or an aging loved one is considering skilled nursing in Laurel, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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