I am so sleeepy I don't know if I can get through this or not. But going to try. I just hope it does not turn into "middle of the night gibberish."
According to an article in Forbes Magazine just being in the hospital leaves many patients with long term damage from post-hospital syndrone and deliriium. Delirium, affecting up to half of all elderly patients and as much as 85% of intensive care unit patients is a major hazard. Also, according to Robert Pearl, MD, it doubles the risk of death within the year post hospitalization.
The problem begins with disorienting lights, drug treatments, frequent sleep interruptions, and strange environment during the hospital stay. Often the condition is misdiagnosed as dementia. Sixty-five percent of patients older than 65 will develop weakness in their legs and dizziness while standing as a aresult of hospitalization A third of patients readmitted with this problem will lose the ability to walk alone as a result of weakness of leg muscle.
It may be difficult to control the total hospital experience for your loved one. Certainly, staying with them until they are well oriented is a good beginning.A daily newspaper helps the patient know what day it is and what is happening in the world. Double checking what drugs they are being given can uncover pharmaceuticals that, while keeping the patient calm, may be contributiing to their confusion. Helping them keep a journal is a good way to remember which doctors are seeing the patient. Arranging to share mealtime may encourage the patient to eat a normal diet and follow a home routine. Encouraging the patient to "wash up" and put on fresh pjs, even hospital gown, can really make a person feel better.Getting the patient up to walk a little. with assistance, helps a lot ut only with assistance.
Ideally hospitals will take steps to improve the hospital experience for elderly patients but until they do, it is up to the family.
According to an article in Forbes Magazine just being in the hospital leaves many patients with long term damage from post-hospital syndrone and deliriium. Delirium, affecting up to half of all elderly patients and as much as 85% of intensive care unit patients is a major hazard. Also, according to Robert Pearl, MD, it doubles the risk of death within the year post hospitalization.
The problem begins with disorienting lights, drug treatments, frequent sleep interruptions, and strange environment during the hospital stay. Often the condition is misdiagnosed as dementia. Sixty-five percent of patients older than 65 will develop weakness in their legs and dizziness while standing as a aresult of hospitalization A third of patients readmitted with this problem will lose the ability to walk alone as a result of weakness of leg muscle.
It may be difficult to control the total hospital experience for your loved one. Certainly, staying with them until they are well oriented is a good beginning.A daily newspaper helps the patient know what day it is and what is happening in the world. Double checking what drugs they are being given can uncover pharmaceuticals that, while keeping the patient calm, may be contributiing to their confusion. Helping them keep a journal is a good way to remember which doctors are seeing the patient. Arranging to share mealtime may encourage the patient to eat a normal diet and follow a home routine. Encouraging the patient to "wash up" and put on fresh pjs, even hospital gown, can really make a person feel better.Getting the patient up to walk a little. with assistance, helps a lot ut only with assistance.
Ideally hospitals will take steps to improve the hospital experience for elderly patients but until they do, it is up to the family.
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