Seniors are at higher risk for certain illnesses because of the changes the immune system goes through over time. If you care for an aging loved one, it’s a good idea to have a better understanding about the impact of aging on the immune system so you can help him or her live a healthy and happy life at home.
Fewer White Blood Cells
The immune system needs white blood cells to protect the body from bacteria and infections but produces fewer of them as a person ages. A senior is more likely to get sick because he or she has fewer white blood cells to defend against harmful bacteria and viruses.
If your loved one does contract an illness such as flu or pneumonia, you can gain peace of mind by hiring a professional caregiver to assist with your loved one’s recovery. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elderly home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Difficulty with Identifying Threats
A senior’s immune system not only takes longer to identify harmful substances and infections, but it also has a difficult time identifying these threats in the first place. In other cases, the immune system may be unable to properly identify healthy cells and will attack them, putting a senior at risk for autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you’re caring for a loved one with immunity issues arising from chronic and/or serious health conditions, you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Seniors living with serious health conditions often need extensive assistance in and outside the home. Home Care Assistance is a trusted provider of Rhode Island live-in care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and various other daily tasks, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Slower Response to Antibodies
When seniors take medications or get vaccinations, their bodies may take longer to respond to the antibodies than younger adults’ bodies do. This gives bacteria or infections more time to spread through the body, leaving the entire immune system susceptible to health conditions.
Seniors are more vulnerable to illness because their immune systems don’t function as efficiently as they used to. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare Rhode Island families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (401) 284-0979 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.