Home Urinalysis Kit Helps Diagnose UTI’s For Sundowning Patients
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Sundowning is a very difficult complication of many diseases. It is a frequent complication of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia related diseases.
The name sundowning arose due to a patients propensity to become very active after dinner and continue through the night. A patient can become agitated, assertive, unable to sleep, confused and at times combative. It is exhausting for the patient and exhausting for the caregiver team.
Sundowning And UTI’s
From my experience as a caregiver, I directly observed the correlation between an increase in sundowning when an Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) was present. Elderly patients are susceptible to UTI’s whether in the hospital or receiving care at home due to their age and use of catheters.
Sundowning and Urinalysis Kits Assist UTI Patients And Caregivers
As a caregiver or family caregiver, it is Murphy’s law as to when a UTI will strike. Inevitably a patient will have been examined by medical personnel, a visiting nurse or hospice nurse and what happens? Two days later the signs of a UTI begin to emerge.
Sundowning can be complicated by a UTI or increase in severity which is why a quick diagnosis highly benefits the patient. A cautionary note: professional medical advice should always be sought if a UTI is suspected.
However, a home urinalysis kit can be invaluable to quickly evaluate a possible UTI.
The urinalysis kits are easily obtained online or over the counter and are easy to use. It is also helpful to obtain an urinalysis kit that measures both nitrates and white blood cells (leukocytes.)
Strict instructions are included to ensure the validity of the test and the home urinalysis test will give quick results. While not a substitute for a medical evaluation, if a UTI is suspected, the caregiver will follow the normal protocol or can consult with the physician until a patient can be seen in person.
The best patient care is the goal for the caregiver whether the caregiver be a friend, family member of private hire. All the tools necessary should be utilized and the home urinalysis kit is an affordable and easy to use tool for your home.
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Sundowning and UTI’s