Do Hospitals Make a Person Better or Worse?
Dear Caregivers,
The concept of “hospital” has had quite an evolution over the centuries. Derived from the Latin word “hospitale,” meaning guest lodging, and then given a French twist in the form of “ospital,” meaning hostel, or shelter, by the 15th century the word had come to mean a charitable institution, often religious, that cares for the sick.
Thanks to the rise of modern medicine, hospitals are now thought of as places people go to “get better.” But several studies have shown that in fact, elderly people who must undergo a hospital stay often get worse. For our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory loss the risk of complications during a hospitalization are high.
Possible complications include:
Increased Confusion: Loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s are at increased risk for a complication called “delirium.” This abrupt decline in mental function is due to the combination of the illness and the dramatic changes in their environment and routines.
Infections: Patients have a more than 17% risk of developing infections during a hospital stay, due to increased exposure to germs and other pathogens.
Skin Ailments: Patients can develop “pressure ulcers,” or bedsores, especially older patients with limited mobility.
Blood Clots: Long periods of immobility can give rise to blood clots.
Falls: The unfamiliar terrain of hospitals and a loved one’s overall weakness due to immobility can lead to falls.
Of course, modern hospitals do everything they can to mitigate these risks. But the message is clear that being hospitalized is a double-edged situation: Your loved one may be required to go there to get better, but that experience comes with a risk of their getting worse.
Still, there are things you can do to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. First, talk to your NAN Navigator about specific risks your loved one may have, and how to address them. This may include “fall-proofing” your home, paying attention to their hygiene and toilet practices, and monitoring their medications. The extra vigilance is worth the effort, in the long run.
Here is some more guidance on coping with hospitalization:
Tips for Preventing Falls:
Falls are a #1 source of injury for aging loved ones, but many falls can be prevented. By making some changes, you can make your home safer. Here’s how.
The Basics of Advance Directives:
In situations where your loved one cannot speak for themselves, medical personnel will turn to the next of kin to get help in making important health decisions. It is important to have your loved one’s wishes of how to respond in a serious medical situation be known in advance, through several documents such as an Advanced Directive and Living Will. Here’s an overview.
Hospitalization Happens: Now What?
Being admitted to the hospital can be a stressful and confusing experience for both you and your loved one. Here are some key tips to employ before, during, and after a hospital stay.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
— Benjamin Franklin
