Gelisim News

Lecturer from Istanbul Gelisim University Gerontologist Sıla Ayan listed the most common infections in nursing homes and elderly nursing homes and described ways to prevent them. Stating that the most common infections are urinary system infections, pneumonia, pressure sores and influenza, Ayan emphasized that protective methods should be directed towards the individual and the environment, said: “Two important vaccines to be given to the elderly over 65 are influenza (flu) and pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine. Besides the personal hygiene of the elderly, it is also important to clean the environment and increase the immunity. Increasing immunity includes subheadings such as nutrition, physical activity, providing sleep patterns, increasing productivity, providing the necessary psychological support for the elderly.”

Stating that pneumonia is one of the common infections for over 75 years of age, Ayan said, “The frequency of occurrence is higher among those living in a nursing home. Influenza, on the other hand, causes three to four times more epidemics over the age of 65. It is typically associated with mortality and morbidity. Especially in places where there is public life, its spread is fast.”

Stating that isolation is also very important in this process, Gerontologist Sıla Ayan added: “The most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms from a specific area in institutions is to isolate the source of infection. Thus, the spread of microorganisms between the patient and healthcare staff, healthcare staff and the patient and patient and visitors is prevented. Insulation is carried out in a number of processes. These include hand washing, special room, using protective clothing, patient removal and disinfection, sterilization, etc. of waste. can be listed as. On the agenda regarding corona, all professional personnel in nursing homes and nursing institutions are already working wholeheartedly like our other healthcare professionals. For our elderly people staying in institutions and their outside families who are worried about them, what needs to be done is to stay at home, follow the instructions, cut visits and assist the staff.

Reminding that certain symbols are used in the institutions to indicate the risk of falling in the routine process, some risks related to infection and transmission, Ayan said: “Yellow leaf is used in respiratory isolation, blue anemone droplet infection, red star contact isolation, and four leaf clover are used in patients with risk of falling”.