Hi, my nan is 91 and is currently in hospital with a UTI. This is her 8th time she has now been in hospital with a UTI and she displays the symptoms of being confused and tired/weak no energy or talking wierd. Just wondering if anyone has had same experience or knows any ideas on what to do? Without a UTi, she is really healthy. Mum took her to local doctor when she had a UTI and he gave her a course of antibiotics and she was fine, then 3 days after she finished them she got an infection again. Doctor won't prescribe a daily antibiotic because it will affect the kidneys and liver but they are already damaged due to age and the medication she already takes. Just wondering whether seeing urologist will actually help and find solutions for her or if she is just at the age now where she will constantly get them? Without a UTI she is really healthy, she is currently in hospital and doctors are meeting with the family to discuss possiblity of nursing home which she is 100% against. Do the doctors have the right to force her into a nursing home against her will? What can a urologist do for an eldery patient with recurrent UTI's? Thank you in advance, really want to try get some answers from other people who have been through the same thing with close family or friends.
I have heard that drinking cranberry juice will help. I never tired it. Right now I am dealing with a mild UTI due to plumbing issues in my house where the only working toilet was on the main level, at night didn't want to walk downstairs to use the bathroom so I just didn't go.... [sigh], so now I am using an over-the-counter med AZO and I just started the pills this morning and have noticed a difference :)
Does Grandmother live alone at 91? It doesn't sound like she needs to go into a nursing home unless she is having memory issues that are now becoming unsafe for her to live at home, or she is now falling a lot.
Grandmother could hire caregivers to help her during the day, if that is within her budget.... or she can sell her house [if she owns one] and use the equity to pay for Assisted Living where she would be around people her own age that she can talk to, enjoy the activities, have meals in the common dining room, etc. It all depends on what kind of housing is available in your area.
Glad to see you asking all these questions on behalf of your nan. If the family can provide adequate care at home, I don't think a doctor can force your nan into a nursing home. After my dad's stroke, the social worker was concerned about whether my dad would have enough care at home. But I implemented every suggestion and he was able to come home. I know things change over time so please try to keep all options on the table.
About the UTIs, I know that is very hard. Try the cranberry tablets and see if that will help. It is more difficult as we get older.
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