Urinary tract infections are very common in women and in the elderly.=20 Because of the female anatomy, and their short urethra, females are more vulnerable.=20 In the elderly, a sudden change in behaviour is the best indicator of a urin= ary tract infection. Common symptoms in the elderly include disorientation, confusion,urinary incontinence,urinary urgency and frequency,and not being a= ble to carry out their activities of daily living that they normally perform. Once= there is a sudden change in behaviour, the caregiver should consider this a red flag.= =20 Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria stick to the walls of the ureth= ra and bladder,then multiply. Predisposing factors include sexual intercours= e,bubble baths, perfumed bars of soap,E.coli bacteria from stool and improper cleaning of an= al and perianal area,urinary catheters, sitting in soiled diapers for too lo= ng,bladder distention,diabetes, kidney stones, and menopause.=20 Symptoms of a UTI include burning on urination,urgency,frequency,blood in ur= ine,abdominal pain,malaise,fever,chills,disorientation,confusion,nausea,vomi= ting,back and flank pain, and general malaise.=20 Treatment is usually multifaceted. The main treatment is antibiotic therapy.= A urinalysis and a culture and sensitivity test needs to be done, to discov= er what antibiotic is required to treat the specific bacteria. Ultrasounds a= nd Xrays may be ordered to view the urinary tract. Antibiotics should be tak= en for the full course, and then a followup urinalysis and C&S should be per= formed.=20 Prevention is really the key. Drinking plenty of water daily is critical. Di= luting the urine facilitates bacteria to leave the urinary tract. Our client= s should be encouraged to void every two hours, and their briefs Depends sho= uld be checked and changed every two hours. Cranberry juice daily can alter t= he PH of the urine, and makes the bladder less supportive of bacteria. Wipin= g from front to back prevents fecal matter from entering the urethra. Taking= showers rather than baths allows the bacteria to be rinsed off.=20 The most critical element is recognizing a change in their clients physical o= r mental behaviours, no matter how small. Theses changes are our cues to rep= ort,investigate further and seek medical care.=20 =20 HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR=20 Maria Licoudis, Registered Nurse, C.N.C.C, N.M.C Care Manager Home Care Assistance mlicoudis@homecareassistance.com www.homecareassitancemontreal.ca Office: 514-907-5065=