In the community, older persons tend to recover more complex and long-term than young people when they become infected with diseases due to a gradual decline in their physical functioning. In order to help older persons better cope with post-infection rehabilitation, the following is a detailed rehabilitation guide designed to help older persons in the community and members of their families to learn how to recover scientifically and effectively after infection. Following medical instructions, reasonable treatment
When older persons become infected, they should be strictly guided by a doctor and receive antibiotics or antivirals on time to suppress or eliminate pathogens. At the same time, care is taken to observe the adverse effects of drugs and to seek immediate medical treatment if they are not adapted.
Nutritional support: During the infection, the physical energy consumption of older persons increases and the nutritional needs increase accordingly. The body ‘ s nutritional needs can be met by providing appropriate nutritional supplements or intravenous fluids. Food that is easily digestible and nutritious, such as skinny meat, shrimp, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, should be chosen for diet.
Immunization regulation: After infection, the immune system of older persons may be over-activated, resulting in damage to their own tissue. At this point, it is possible to help restore a normal immunization balance and reduce the inflammatory response through the use of immunosuppressants. However, they are to be used under the supervision of a doctor and avoid buying and taking them on their own.
2. Rest and rehabilitation
Older persons who become infected need more rest to recover their physical strength. Sufficient sleep time should be ensured every day to avoid overwork and long nights.
Moderate exercise: At the rehabilitation stage, moderate exercise helps to accelerate the recovery of physical function. However, it needs to be noted that exercise should be gradual and avoid intense exercise. Low-intensity sports such as walking, Tai Chi and yoga can be chosen to gradually increase the time and intensity of the exercise.
Respiratory training: Respiratory training for older persons with respiratory infections helps improve respiratory function. Common respiratory training includes abdominal breathing, lip respiration, etc.
Mental health
After infection, older persons may experience anxiety, depression, etc. as a result of ill health and evolving conditions. At this point, family members should be given adequate care and support to help them relieve emotional stress. If necessary, assistance from a professional psychologist can be sought.
Maintaining social contact: Moderate social activities help older persons to remain happy. During rehabilitation, family and friends can be contacted by telephone, video, etc. to share their rehabilitation and feelings.
Food and living
During the rehabilitation period, the diet of older persons should be largely lightened, avoiding irritating foods such as greasy and spicy. At the same time, it is important to ensure fresh food and hygiene and to avoid risks such as food poisoning.
Drinking more water: Older people who are infected need to drink more to keep their internal water balance and promote metabolism. Drinking water is recommended at least 1,500 ml per day.
Avoiding smoking and drinking: smoking and drinking can harm health and slow the recovery process. Older persons should resolutely stop drinking and keep their habits good.
Regular follow-up and review
During the period of rehabilitation, older persons should follow the hospital on a regular basis to learn about their recovery and adjust their treatment programmes in a timely manner.
Indicator of review: Based on a doctor ‘ s recommendation, older persons may need to undergo a review of indicators such as blood, urine, liver and kidney function to assess physical recovery.
VI. Home care and protection
Clean and ventilated home environment, regular disinfection of household surfaces and articles to reduce the growth and spread of bacterial viruses.
Avoiding intersectional infections: When caring for older persons, family members should be sensitive to hygiene and avoid intersectional infections. In the event of cold symptoms, masks should be worn and prompt medical treatment should be provided.
Care and support: Family members should provide adequate care and support to older persons to help them build confidence in overcoming disease and to actively face the challenges of rehabilitation.
In the light of the above, the rehabilitation of older persons after infection requires a combination of reasonable treatment, rest and exercise, mental health, diet and life management, regular follow-up and review, and home care and protection. Through scientific and comprehensive rehabilitation measures, older persons can recover their health and enjoy a better life more quickly.
