How do I know if I have a UTI?

A urinary tract infection, also known as a UTI, is just as it sounds: an infection anywhere throughout the urinary tract. These infections are a result of bacteria entering the urethra, most commonly E. coli.

Who is at risk?

Anyone is at a potential risk for getting a UTI. However, women are more commonly diagnosed. Women have a shorter urethra, which allows bacteria to travel much quicker to the bladder. Men have a longer urethra making it  more difficult for bacteria to reach the bladder. The older adult population is also at a slightly higher risk for developing a UTI due to causes stated below.

What are symptoms?

The typical symptoms you may see in an individual with a UTI are:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Flank pain/pain in your mid back near your kidneys
• Increased thirst
• Increased frequency of urination
• Cloudy urine
• Urine having a foul odor
• Slight blood in the urine

Those with symptoms should see a physician.

The older adult population (65+), may be showing some symptoms that were stated above, but older adults may develop significant cognitive impairments. Why is this? There are many theories to why this is, but one factor includes a decreased immune system, which is a characteristic of aging. Another factor is that many older adults do not drink enough water throughout the day, causing dehydration. Some common symptoms you may see in older adults with a UTI include:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Delirium
• Increased irritability
• Increased falls
• Incontinence

Those with symptoms should see a physician.

What is the doctor going to do?

If the doctor suspects a UTI,  a urine specimen will be requested. This test will check  the amount of bacteria in the urine. If a UTI is diagnosed, the doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic and probiotic. The antibiotic will allow the bacteria causing the infection to be killed, while the probiotic will allow the good bacteria in your body to remain.

Preventing a UTI

There are many ways to help prevent a UTI, including drinking plenty of water. Another thing to remember is to wipe the correct way: front to back. This way, bacteria is less likely to reach the urethra. When cleansing, make sure to use the proper pH balanced soap. Soaps that have strong scents or are perfumed could change the natural environment of the genital area. Another way to help prevent a UTI is toileting frequently. This will help to clear the urethra.

For any other questions, visit the links provided below:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections

https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults

References:

Cleveland Clinic Medical Professionals. (2020). Urinary tract infections. Cleveland Clinic.

Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections

Rotolo, C. (2021). UTIs cause unusual behavior symptoms in elders. Aging Care. Retrieved from:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/urinary-tract-infection-symptoms-151547.htm

Urinary tract infections in adults. (2019). Urology Care Foundation. Retrieved from:

https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults

By Christy Feuerstahler, CDP, Music Coordinator, Valley VNA Senior Care

For people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, music therapy is powerful because a person’s rhythmic response is tied to the motor center of the brain that requires little or no cognition or mental processing. Human response to music, particularly drumming or singing, is essentially primitive. People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia who engage in music therapy often respond positively, even in the late stages of disease. I’ve been playing and teaching music most of my life, and now bring music’s therapeutic benefits to older adults and caregivers.

I’ve heard nothing but joy and appreciation from participants in the Lyrics & Laughter community programming at Valley VNA. It is an offshoot of a program from the U.K. called Singing for the Brain, a weekly music program for people with dementia and their caregivers that goes beyond passive listening by incorporating singing, instruments, and action. We gather in a circle, and that cue helps focus our participants, followed by a session of warm-ups, hello songs, rounds, rhythms, and thematic tunes on topics like the Old West, patriotism, and Irish folk tunes. Caregivers enjoy sharing in the songs, too, because it’s a wonderful way to bond with one another.

An iPod listening program is another great idea for older adults whose families can help develop playlists of favorite songs. The personalized collection helps those in need of sensory stimulation, and earphone splitters can allow an older adult and family member to experience music together. I’ve seen people hold hands, dance, smile, and sing or simply get a sparkle in their eyes when the music starts.

Songs from a person’s young adult years, from about age 18 to 25, are the most likely to elicit engagement, such as dancing, toe tapping, and happy facial expressions. People with late-stage dementia often respond to childhood folk songs, especially when sung in the language in which they were learned. I was once sitting with an otherwise nonverbal resident who began speaking to me once she heard her songs, even complimenting me on my blouse. Music can help elicit speech in people with advanced dementia, if even for a short time.

 Facilitated drum circles brighten moods, encourage social interaction, and allow the release of pent-up emotions. People who typically sit with their heads down may perk up and move their eyes around when group drumming starts. Drum circles are very good for those who can tolerate the loud drumming because it taps into their rhythmic instinct. It’s also an affordable participatory program because drums can be handmade with simple wooden frames and duct tape, and sticks can be used for mallets.

Everyone deserves music in their lives, and for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can be a portal to past feelings of happiness and contentment, and build connections with people in their current social circle. It might even help them express themselves with words and smiles, which puts a song in anyone’s heart.

By Angela Franz, Valley VNA Senior Care Administrator of Independent & Assisted Living

I recently read an article about how the role of physical therapy has changed in recent years and physical therapists are on a mission to help referring providers understand the “wait-and-see” approach is old-school thinking. They report that a patient who falls or pulls a muscle or tendon should be seen by a therapist within days, not weeks. There is so much that can be accomplished by getting help early, avoiding a crisis, and teaching people valuable skills for healthy movement.

I was struck by the similarities in my work as an administrator in long-term care for older adults. The old-school “wait-and-see” approach to aging often morphs into watching a person’s decline without a plan to help, and that’s a sad situation for everyone. If you aren’t sure how to get started planning for life in older age for yourself or a loved one, consider these ideas:

Research. If you are an older adult, or you love someone who is, get familiar with the senior living communities in your area or the older person’s community, if that is where they want to stay. Visit web sites, talk with friends and community members, and subscribe to social media channels. Arrange for a tour, attend a public event at the places that interest you, or become a volunteer so you can experience their organizational culture.

Plan like it’s a big deal. After all, we save for college, plan elaborate weddings, and decorate our babies’ nurseries before they are even born. You or your loved one deserves an equally attentive plan for choosing a new home when he or she is older.

Do the hard things. Older adults who have decades of memories in their homes and neighborhoods will rightfully go through a grieving process when they move. But just because it’s hard does not mean it’s wrong. Through your communication and planning, you will have arrived at the right time to move, before a rush or a crisis happens. High-quality senior living communities also employ compassionate people who understand this grief process and help older adults navigate their feelings.

Let the sun shine in. Although grief is natural, so are happy surprises. I often hear a new resident greet an old acquaintance at Valley VNA with, “I haven’t seen you in years! How are things?” and then they settle in for a good talk. Isolation is real. Quality long-term care for older adults is an antidote to loneliness and lack of engagement and can even slow the decline of aging. A whole new world opens up for people who need people—and we all do.

I encourage you to have good talks and make calm and thoughtful plans about long-term care. When the day comes to move, you can say something like, “We talked about this. Remember the gardens in the courtyard? And our friend from church really likes it there. I’m so proud of you— and I’m so proud of us.”

By Theresa Pichelmeyer, Ed.D., RN

President & CEO, Valley VNA Senior Care

For those of us who have found our calling in caring for older adults, we often describe our work with words like compassion, expertise, and dignity. These are powerful words and guiding principles for my vocation and style of leadership. I expect our team members to internalize these values and integrate them into every interaction with residents, clients, and one another.

In recent months, I have also had the distinctive opportunity to participate in the design of forthcoming new and remodeled living spaces at Valley VNA. Our group has learned about tangible ways to literally build compassion, expertise, and dignity into our plans. Expert architects   and designers help senior communities enhance their residents’ lives while simultaneously helping caregivers do their jobs more comfortably and families visit more joyfully. Here are a couple of examples of designing for dignity—and delight:

• Create assisted-living residents’ rooms to include small private living/visiting spaces adjacent to their customary sleeping space. Everyone likes social interaction, but we all like our downtime, too, and these cozy private places allow for small family visits, a card game, or a nightly game show without having to be in a larger semi-private community room.
• Design new bathrooms with sliding doors, much like old-fashioned barn doors, to eliminate big swinging doors that get in the way when entering a room. This is such an improvement for everyone, including staff and people who maneuver with wheelchairs or walkers. It’s a simple and inspired upgrade that makes life easier and looks nice, too.
• Invest in residential-style kitchens that serve a smaller number of residents than a large dining room. These small kitchens might have a wheel-up breakfast bar with the feel of a modern deli where residents can watch some of the activity around their food prep in a more home-like setting. Mealtime routines are a comforting rhythm to our days and engender warm conversations between residents, families, and staff.

When a senior living community invests in more natural light, modern finishes, and even on-trend painted wood trim, they are helping to eliminate barriers between “inside” and “outside.” The step across the threshold is to visit and work and volunteer in a space that is designed for the dignity and delight of all people. And that is our highest calling.

Learn more about the forthcoming new and remodeled living spaces and the Caring for Generations campaign to support the work.

April 8, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

The 113-year-old nonprofit in Neenah launches public phase of
$3.25 million fundraising campaign to support campus enhancements
at a time when senior living quality and safety is more critical than ever.

While long planned and underway before the pandemic arrived, Neenah’s Valley VNA Senior Care administration knew that improving safety, enhancing quality of life for residents, and incorporating additional air quality measures was important. Architects were selected, facility improvement plans were drawn, a campaign cabinet gathered, and a quiet phase of fundraising began. Little did they know that in March 2020 their efforts to improve their campus would be heightened.

Today, with over 50 percent of the campaign goal raised, Valley VNA Senior Care leaders launch the public phase of Caring for Generations: a campaign to ensure quality care for those we love. The $3.25 million fundraising initiative will support a $6.25 million building project for the 113-year-old nonprofit in the Neenah and Menasha community.

“We had a campus renovation plan, and this year has proven how critical it is for us to complete that plan,” said Theresa Pichelmeyer, Valley VNA Senior Care President and CEO. “Our residents deserve the best—as do our staff. We want to be the place for people to choose for safe care with the most talented caregivers. This past year has certainly pushed us like we have never been pushed in over 100 years of service. Yet, it only strengthens our desire to keep offering outstanding care, to keep improving, keep delivering, and keep going. Even when it’s hard. By having the community help us make our plans a reality would be a welcomed gift to our residents and team.”
The results of this campaign will provide building renovations to ensure that people with dementia or increased physical requirements will be better accommodated and enjoy their surroundings.

Fundraising efforts will run through the end of 2021. Based on current plans, breaking ground will begin in mid-2021 for the phased building project. The building project will be broken into three to five steps depending on how quickly and fully the campaign goal is reached.

One highlight of the project will be to enhance the air filtration systems to help eliminate the spread of airborne diseases. The addition and renovation provide opportunities to improve on the environmental air quality in order to more effectively combat or prevent virus outbreaks.

The Caring for Generations campaign will also enable Valley VNA Senior Care to enhance and advance the safety of common area spaces such as kitchens, dining areas and lounges. Other living quarters, outdoor courtyards and special amenities like the Namaste Room, Fitness Center, and other spaces will all be added or improved.

“Our residents have rich and fulfilling lives,” said Christy Feuerstahler, Valley VNA Senior Care Music Coordinator. “Some were soldiers, professors, dentists, doctors or farmers. They are
parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, longtime neighbors, or best friends. Now at this stage of their lives, we are their home. We love and support them here and provide the quality of life they deserve. This campaign will help us do even more on their behalf.”

To advance the planned improvements, Valley VNA Senior Care is funding 50 percent of the proposed capital expenditures with hope that the community will assist with the other 50 percent—thereby allowing more improvements than the nonprofit organization could do alone. Valley VNA Senior Care will continue to fund its normal operating expenses during the campus upgrade project through financial planning and budgeting.

“Valley VNA supports families who need a safe place for their loved ones to go when they require specialized care and a place to feel at home,” said Frank Kearny, Valley VNA Senior Care Board President and campaign chair. “We support staying in your home as long as possible, but to have this amazing caregiving gem in our community when additional care is needed is a true gift. To be a part of the next chapter and help Valley VNA evolve to meet changing community needs is a privilege.”

Learn more about Caring for Generations.

By Theresa Pichelmeyer, Ed.D., RN, President & CEO, Valley VNA Senior Care

Caring for older people is an opportunity to celebrate diversity. As we hold more conversations about recognizing and valuing the different gifts and backgrounds of every person, older people are still often lumped into imprecise and over-generalized groups like “seniors” or “retirees.” True, this is shorthand for communicating a similar age group, usually people age 65 or older, but the talents, abilities, preferences, and personalities of this age group only expand from there.

I read an excellent quote from Ina Jaffe in The Atlantic a while ago. A reporter at NPR who covers aging, Jaffe said, “Older adults now have the most diverse life experiences of any age group. Some are working, some are retired, some are hitting the gym every day, others suffer with chronic disabilities. Some are traveling around the world, some are raising their grandchildren, and they represent as many as three different generations. There’s no one term that can conjure up that variety.”

We come to know older people when they choose to live in a senior living community or engage with home care workers so they can stay safe and healthy in their homes. We meet women who’ve raised big families and always worked from home, retired secretaries, pharmacists, and business executives, and long-time college professors, milkmen, and postal carriers. We come to know veterans, expert cooks and bakers, woodworkers, musicians, world travelers, immigrants, politicians, and speakers of multiple languages.

When it comes to direct caregiving, well-trained and experienced caregivers intentionally learn their residents’ and clients’ preferences. Family members especially comment on how we know and respect their loved one’s favorite conversation topics, preferred snacks and beverages, desire for an early (or late) bedtime, or even the need to get outside in the fresh air to garden or take a rickshaw ride. If an older person experiences anxiety, activities staff are engaged to help sooth them, from comforting music and lighting to aromatherapy and other calming activities that they enjoy.

There are so many reasons to celebrate older adults, and this diversity is one of my favorite things about my career in health care. The next time you have a chance to speak up for diversity, speak up for older adults. Then take time to listen to one of their stories—you’ll be wiser in the end.