A urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the most common medical problem adults face. Most people just go to the doctor when they suspect they have one to get a quick round of antibiotics to cure the problem.
It’s not so easy, however, for many elderly patients — especially those in nursing homes. Recurrent UTIs are particularly common in elderly patients, and they may be dependent on others to notice the signs of a problem.
What indicates a patient might have a UTI?
The patient may or may not be able to articulate their symptoms or advise their caregivers of a problem. But caregivers should be alert to the following signs of a UTI:
- The patient keeps wetting the bed because they have such an urgent need to urinate
- They need to urinate far more often than usual
- Complaints of burning or pain in the genital area, especially while urinating
- The patient complains of pain or pressure in their lower back or abdomen
- Urine is visibly thick, cloudy or tinted with blood
- There is nausea, vomiting or fever
Changes in a patient’s mental state should also be considered. If a UTI goes untreated, the resulting sepsis infection can cause active changes in their personality or hallucinations. Sepsis itself can lead to amputations, permanent injuries and death.
If your loved one suffered sepsis from a UTI, seek help
Nursing home neglect and medical abuse happen far too often in this country. The only way to stop it from happening again is to hold the guilty parties accountable. Speak with an attorney right away about your loved one’s situation.