Senior Health

Geriatric Considerations During a Hospital Stay

A hospital stay can be difficult for anyone – young or old – but can often affect senior patients in unique ways. The services available through Crouse's Aging and Complex Care Services can help prevent the three most common causes of functional decline while in the hospital:  

Delirium

Delirium is not a disease, like Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is an unexpected or sudden change in thinking, awareness and/or activity. Often, it is abrupt and comes on over the course of several hours or just a few days. When recognized and properly treated, delirium can be resolved.

Common characteristics of delirium:

• Disorganized thinking
• Fluctuating confusion and activity
• Hallucinations (often visual) and delusions
• Fluctuating moods
• New memory loss
• Sleeplessness

Delirium is often caused by multiple factors occurring at the same time, including the stress of a hospital stay. Some of the most common causes are:

• Sudden or severe illness
• Medications
• Poor sleep patterns
• Change in environment
• Dehydration and chemical changes
• Surgery
• Pain

Patients prone to development delirium may have pre-existing process difficulties, such as a neurological illness, like Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, or Parkinson’s disease.  

Memory Loss

We all suffer some degree of memory loss from time to time. What is considered “normal” and what is indicative of a disease process? Research has shown that in the absence of disease, trauma or stress, there is no serious decline in intellectual ability with age. Memory retrieval may slow to a degree, yet pertinent and meaningful facts are retained and recalled as needed. The more stress or anxiety an individual is faced with, the more apt one is to have difficulty remembering facts. This is true of all age groups.

There is no clear pattern of memory or self care ability loss. Each person’s experience is different. It is, however, important that medical assistance be sought to investigate the causes of bothersome symptoms. 

Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury or death. They are also the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.

Many falls can be prevented. By making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling:

Four things YOU can do to prevent falls are:

1. Begin a regular exercise program
   Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about the best type of exercise program for you.
2. Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over–the–counter medicines and supplements. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall.
3. Have your vision checked
   Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
4. Make your home safer
   About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:
• Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
• Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
• Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
• Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
• Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers. 

Staying Safe in the Hospital

If you are hospitalized, it is important to do everything you can to maintain your cognitive and physical function. Crouse's Aging and Complex Care Services has a physician and nursing staff who lead programming that will help you remain independent during a hospital stay. Here are some things you can do:

• Get sleep: We'll provide you with eye masks and ear plugs – just ask your nurse. We also have a relaxation program that is provided free of charge on your television (Channel 82).
• Attend to your sensory needs: Bring your glasses and hearing aid. If you need hearing assistance, we have headsets for the televisions and pocket talkers to amplify voices. We are also happy to request interpreters from Aurora of CNY.
• Keep moving: Get out of bed as soon as your nurse says it’s ok. Even sitting in a bedside chair is helpful. Walking down the hallway is better. Make sure to ask for assistance if you need it; one of our Senior Centered Care volunteers will be happy to assist you.
• Keep your mind active: Watch the news or read. Our Senior Centered Care volunteers can provide you with a newspaper or magazines. Our volunteers would also love to visit with you!
• Eat and drink, unless it is not permitted by your doctor: Staying hydrated and receiving proper nutrition will help in healing. If you need assistance during mealtimes, ask your nurse for a Senior Centered Care volunteer.