Approximately 900,000 people throughout the United States suffer from pneumonia each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 5 and 7 percent of these people will die from the infection. Unfortunately, elderly adults tend to be the most at risk, along with young children.

As a family caregiver it is important that you are able to detect when your aging parent might be suffering from this infection so that you are able to ensure that they get the level of care that they need to recover and to avoid the most serious complications and consequences.

An important part of this is knowing the potential signs and symptoms of the condition.

Some of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Fatigue
• Chest pain when coughing or breathing
• Coughing, which might produce thick phlegm
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Shaking chills
• Fever
• Sweating
• Lower body temperature

If your parent experiences any of those symptoms, particularly if they are not getting better after a couple of days or are showing signs of dehydration or compromised mental condition, it is important to get them to the doctor as quickly as possible.

It is especially important to go see the doctor if your parent experiences any of the following issues:

• Underlying health issues that might be complicated by pneumonia
• Weakened immune system
• Chemotherapy
• Heart failure
• Chronic lung problems

If you have been considering ways that you can improve your parent’s quality of life, boost their health and well-being, and support a more fulfilling and active lifestyle as they age in place, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elderly care for them. An elderly home care services provider can create a personalized set of services specifically designed around your parent’s individual needs, challenges, and limitations that helps them to meet these needs in the way that is right for them.

This can help your parent to stay healthy, happy, comfortable, and safe, while pursuing greater independence, fulfillment, and activity throughout their later years. When it comes to helping your parent stay healthier, particularly during cold and flu season, this care provider can also help with issues such as encouraging germ control such as handwashing, helping with keeping the home clean, and supporting compliance with doctor guidelines such as meal preparation and medication reminders.

Sources:  https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/paging-dr-gupta/can-flu-turn-into-pneumonia/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pneumonia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354204
https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/index.html

If you or an aging loved one are in need of Elderly Care Services in Manhasset NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Star Multi Care Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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