Hospital Care and the Elderly

When a senior is hospitalized, it’s crucial to find out whether they’ve been admitted as an inpatient or registered as an outpatient under observation. This governs whether Medicare will cover their hospital bills and care in a skilled nursing facility.

Evidence has shown that dementia patients are at greater risk for adverse outcomes following hospitalization. These simple steps can help family caregivers make a hospital stay easier on loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Hospitalization of a senior sometimes causes a rapid cognitive decline known as hospital delirium. Although people with dementia are more prone, it can affect seniors who don't have a prior dementia diagnosis and has potentially serious consequences.

When an elderly loved one winds up in the hospital, things happen so quickly that it can leave family members overwhelmed by their new roles as advocates and caregivers. Take these 7 steps to quickly get organized and better manage their care.