How long might it take an elderly person to recover from pneumonia? Most of us have no idea. That’s because few of us have experienced an aging parent, grandparent, or other elderly loved one dealing with pneumonia, at least not with such a severe case that they needed to be in the hospital.
When a person has been hospitalized, the goal is to return home. That might take several weeks or even months before they can finally make it back home, if at all possible.
When a person has been hospitalized with pneumonia, it may be touch and go for quite some time. You may be worried about your mother or father, spouse, grandmother or grandfather, or other loved one dealing with this battle against pneumonia. You might stop by the hospital several times a day, every day of the week.
When things seem to be improving and the antibiotics are taking hold, his or her doctor will likely recommend a number of steps to take once they are discharged and sent home.
What happens if they don’t follow their doctor’s advice?
Elder Care Syosset, NY: Seniors and Pneumonia
One of the key factors to remember about pneumonia is that just because a person is feeling better doesn’t mean the virus or bacteria has left their system. It could very well still be there. In some cases, it can take many weeks for a person’s body to finally get rid of that virus or bacteria completely.
If they are not following their doctor’s advice, are not taking antibiotics and other prescription medications as advised and directed by their doctor, they could give that pneumonia a chance to re-assert itself in their body.
If that happens, they may be subject to a readmission to the hospital.
What is a hospital readmission?
This is anytime somebody has to be readmitted within 30 days of their discharge. In some cases, this is going to be unavoidable. Unforeseen circumstances or complications can arise with almost any illness, injury, surgery, and so forth.
However, in some cases readmissions are avoidable, including in some situations involving pneumonia.
In order to reduce the risk of a readmission and, a potentially lengthier battle against pneumonia, below are a few things the senior in your life should take to heart when they are discharged and sent home.
1. Rest.
If the senior has too many responsibilities in the home, such as cleaning, cooking, and so forth, consider elder care. Elder care providers through an agency is far better than letting the senior be taxed too much and put themselves at risk of a readmission to the hospital.
2. Taking their medications as prescribed.
Yes, it can become tedious and burdensome, but those medications that are prescribed specifically to combat pneumonia are critical. If they have any questions about what they are taking or when to take it, they should consult their doctor and/or the pharmacist for clarification.
3. Have support.
Family is great, but experienced elder care assistance is best. When you have that kind of support, it could mean recovering from pneumonia in as little as a couple of more weeks, if not days.