National Senior UTI Awareness Day is celebrated every year on October 24 to highlight the importance of recognizing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults, especially women. A staggering number—over 10 percent of women aged 65 and older, and nearly 30 percent of those over 85—report experiencing a UTI in the past year. (AARP, 2021)

While UTIs are common and usually treatable, diagnosing them in seniors can be tricky. Many elderly individuals deal with issues like incontinence or dementia, which can obscure the signs of a UTI. This makes it harder to tell if they are suffering from one, especially since they may not show the usual symptoms.

UTIs can manifest differently in seniors compared to younger people, often leading to misunderstandings or delays in treatment. Some of the signs to look out for include confusion or changes in mental state, which can sometimes be the first clue of a UTI, even if there’s no fever present. Seniors might also experience a frequent need to urinate, a strong urge to go, and discomfort during urination, although not everyone will have pain. Changes in urine—like cloudiness or a strong smell—along with lower abdominal discomfort, fatigue, weakness, and even nausea or vomiting can also be indicators.

It’s important to be aware that seniors may show less typical symptoms, such as low blood pressure or a fast heartbeat, and may have an increased risk of falling. Because of the variety of symptoms, it’s essential for caregivers and family members to be attentive to any sudden changes in behavior or mental clarity in older adults. Quick action is important; if there are any worrying signs, consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action.

The aim of National Senior UTI Awareness Day is to educate everyone—from caregivers to the general public—about the signs and symptoms of UTIs in older adults. By spreading the word, we hope to improve the recognition and diagnosis of UTIs, leading to timely treatment and ultimately better care for seniors.

CBHomeCare and our Family of Providers are happy to assist you with assessing your family’s needs and helping to provide the care necessary to help keep your loved one at home where they want to be. Please feel free to call us at 800-700-0008, and we will be happy to answer all of your questions. You can also click here to read about our services.