Flu Concerns for Seniors Aging in Place

It could worry you when you know that your aging loved one has chosen to age at home. Maybe you’re unsure if they are taking care of themselves, or you don’t know when they become ill, and you’re not even sure if they’re going to the doctor regularly. Aging in place has become a huge trend among the elderly generation, but that may leave you feeling worried about your loved one. The great news is, if your parent does not live with you, there are alternative solutions to keep an eye on them. Home care assistance has become an in-demand job due to all of the elderly folks wanting to age in place.

Home care assistance can help you understand what is going on in senior’s homes and what their everyday routine is like. This is also someone who can help you notice when a senior is not feeling good and will allow you to know when to encourage a senior when they should be going to get treatment.

One thing you may not think too much about is the flu. Most of you get it every year, and it’s just fine, but the flu can be deadly for a senior. Do you know the flu symptoms or how to help a senior with the flu? Here are some things to look for and tips to follow when you know your mom or dad has become ill.

Typical Flu Symptoms

Some of the most common flu symptoms include sore throat with a cough, fever, and nausea. However, these are also symptoms of other viruses like strep throat, a bad cold, or bacterial pneumonia. If a senior starts experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to encourage them to go to the doctor and get tested for flu, strep, and anything else. This will help them recover faster than if they avoid the doctor.

Symptoms of the Flu in Older Adults

Believe it or not, the flu can impact your elderly loved one more drastically than someone who is younger. This can be exceptionally concerning when you are trying to take care of them and help them recover from something. Here are some things to look for in your senior.

• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Confusion

These are all symptoms that can happen but are not necessarily related to the flu. They can happen when a senior gets any type of virus, and it is something you should be aware of when taking care of your elderly loved one.

It is well recognized that aging causes alterations in the immune system. Because many typical symptoms of the disease are really the immune system’s reaction to an infection, a weaker immune system would produce less noticeable symptoms.

Keep in mind that if your senior is experiencing these other symptoms without all of the flu symptoms, an urgent care doctor may not order a flu test for your loved one without someone asking for it. That is why it is crucial for you to understand what flu symptoms are and could be.

If you are considering home care assistance in Bellbrook, OH, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts At Home of Dayton today at 937-558-9394.