Recognizing Infection in Older Adults

Changes Families Should Watch For

Knowing the person’s normal condition makes it easier to identify meaningful changes. Families should pay attention to fever or chills, increased tiredness, unusual sweating, poor appetite, new confusion, increased sleepiness, agitation, weakness, dizziness, reduced mobility, or a sudden decline in daily activities.

Respiratory Warning Signs

Respiratory warning signs can include a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, increased mucus, chest discomfort, rapid breathing, or lower oxygen readings when monitoring has been ordered. Severe breathing difficulty requires urgent medical attention.

Urinary, Wound, and Skin Concerns

Urinary concerns may include pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain, back or side pain, reduced urine output, leakage around a catheter, or catheter blockage. Wound and skin concerns can include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, worsening pain, new drainage, foul odor, wound separation, blistering, dark or discolored skin, or redness spreading beyond the wound.

Signs of Infection Around Medical Devices

For catheters, feeding tubes, intravenous lines, drains, or other devices, families should watch for redness, swelling, pain, drainage, bleeding, leakage, blockage, displacement, fever, or chills. CDC recommends assessing invasive devices during care and ensuring adherence to recommended insertion and maintenance practices because temporary invasive devices can contribute to infection risk.

What to Tell a Nurse or Healthcare Provider

When calling a nurse or provider, families should describe what changed, when it started, whether it is getting worse, the person’s temperature if known, any changes in eating or drinking, changes in urination or bowel movements, changes in mental status, changes in walking or balance, and any wound or device concerns. Specific information helps the healthcare team decide what should happen next.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call 911 or follow the person’s emergency plan for severe difficulty breathing, blue or gray lips, chest pain, unresponsiveness, sudden severe confusion, signs of stroke, uncontrolled bleeding, a rapidly worsening condition, or any situation that appears life-threatening.

Support for Families at Home

My Heart Care Services helps families recognize early warning signs and communicate changes clearly so care teams can respond sooner.