Older Adults: Hospitalization Happens : Part 2

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 2 of 2)

Before A Hospital Stay

If your loved one is going to the hospital for a planned stay, you have time to prepare and ask your doctor questions. Ask your doctor if the procedure can be done as an outpatient visit. If not, ask if tests can be done before going to the hospital to shorten the hospital stay. Ask if your doctor plans to talk with other doctors. If so, find out if your relative can see these specialists before going into the hospital.

You should also ask questions about anesthesia, catheters, and IVs. General anesthesia can have side effects. Ask if local anesthesia is an option and if you will be allowed in the recovery room.

Before Going to the Hospital

• If your insurance allows, ask for a private room if possible. It is more quiet and calm.
• Let your loved one take part in the planning for the hospital stay as much as possible.
• Don't talk about the hospital stay in front of your relative as if s/he is not there.
• Plan ahead. Make a schedule with family and friends to take turns sitting with your relative during the entire hospital stay.
• Shortly before going to the hospital, decide the best way to tell your loved one that the two of you are going to spend a short time in the hospital.
• When packing, include a copy of important papers such as a living will and health care power of attorney.

Pack comfort items. Things to help your loved one feel safe and secure such as favorite clothes or blankets and photos.

During The Hospital Stay

• Have someone with your loved one at all times if possible - even during medical tests. This may be hard to do, but it will help keep your loved one calm and make the hospital stay easier for him.
• Ask doctors to limit their questions to your relative who may not be able to answer. Instead, answer questions from the doctor outside your relative's room.
• Ask the staff to avoid using physical restraints.
• Help your relative fill out menu requests.
• Open food containers and remove trays.
• Talk with your loved one in the way he will best understand.
• Remind your relative to drink fluids. Offer fluids and have him make regular trips to the bathroom.
• Know that a strange place, medicines, tests and surgery will make a person with Alzheimer's disease more confused. S/he will need more help with personal care.
• Assume your relative will have problems finding the bathroom and using his/her call button.

Sudden confusion can be caused by a medical problem. Ask the doctor if your loved one seems suddenly worse.

If Anxiety or Agitation Occurs

Try some of the following:

• Remove street clothes from sight.
• Post reminders or cues if this comforts your relative.
• Turn off the television, the telephone ringer and the intercom.
• Talk in a calm voice and offer reassurance. Repeat answers to questions.
• Give a comforting touch or distract your loved one with offers of snacks.
• Listen to soothing music or try comforting rituals.
• Slow down, try not to rush your loved one.

Working With Hospital Staff

Remember that not everyone in the hospital knows the same basic facts about memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. You may be their best teacher of what works with your family member.

You can help the staff by giving them a list of your loved one's normal routine; personal habits; likes and dislikes; possible behaviors, what might cause them and how you handle them; and signs of pain or discomfort.

You should:

Make the list easy to read with headings and short, simple statements. Have a copy with the chart and at the nurse's station.

Decide with the hospital staff who will do what for your loved one. For example, you may want to be the one who helps your family member get a bath, eat or use the toilet.

Think about placing a poster above the head of the bed with key information, including names of people important to your loved one and the relationship (spouse, cousin, friend).

Tell the staff about any unusual behaviors, hearing problems or communication problems your relative may have and offer ideas for what works best in those instances.

Make sure your family member is safe, tell the staff about any previous problems with wandering, getting lost, suspiciousness or falls. Not assume the staff knows your loved one's needs. Tell them in a nice, calm manner.

Ask questions when you don't understand hospital procedures, tests or when you have a concern. Realize that hospital staff are caring for many people and practice the art of patience.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.