According to a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sepsis deaths have been on the decline since the year 2000. However, even though there have been great strides in the fight to keep people safe from sepsis, there is still a very distinct risk that many face. And the majority of the people that suffer from sepsis complications are aged 65 or older.
Sepsis impacts about 2 million people each year. For every three people that die in the hospital, one of them has sepsis. Although we are seeing progress in the fight against this health condition, there’s still a long way to go if we are going to ensure that our loved ones are living the healthiest lives possible. Avoiding this in the first place would be the best practice, and that involves taking control over the conditions that contribute to it.
Sepsis happens when chemicals are released in the body to help fight an infection. Instead of helping the infection, sepsis contributes to dangerous inflammation levels throughout the body. It is the body’s reaction to another health issue, which explains why it is so prevalent amongst those within the hospital. Luckily, doctors now have a deeper understanding of what sepsis is, what causes it, and how to prevent it. Even still, more than 80 percent of sepsis cases begin outside of the hospital because of another concern, such as a bladder infection.
The solution? Be more proactive about seeking care when a problem is noted. And the older someone is, the sooner medical care should be sought out when an issue is presented. Regular checkups and appointments can help you and your family to stay ahead of the game here. Also, being open and carrying on a continuing conversation about care options with a medical professional can help put a plan in place before a situation becomes an emergency.
Keeping up with medical care is important. And as we age, it becomes even more important to do so. Health issues that might have been considered minor to younger folk can be devastating to an elderly individual. Over time, how your body reacts to illness and injury changes. Immune systems become weaker and minor things can have a much bigger negative impact on someone’s health. Unfortunately, if someone doesn’t keep up with medical appointments, check ups, and preventative measures, health issues can be compounded and worsen.
Medicine continues to improve, but there’s still a long way to go if we’re going to help the elderly live their best possible lives as they age. Senior care plays a role in this process, too. Having a professional on your side that knows how to help someone with tasks like bathing, transferring, and feeding can help. But having someone that can spot warning signs of certain illnesses and provide transportation to and from appointments can be a huge blessing.
That’s where a service like ours comes in. Personalized attention to care can help your family thrive, even as they age. In-home care can provide personalized care in a convenient and cost effective manner.
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