How to Deal with Hospitalization
Most senior citizens will be faced with hospitalization at some point in their later years, whether it is because of an emergency, treatment for an illness, or surgery. Most people are nervous before a hospital stay and there are many things that family members and caregivers can do to make the transition to a hospital stay easier for the patient. The cause of the nerves may be fear of the unknown, worry that they will be uncomfortable, or uneasiness about the health issues being treated.
When packing for the hospital, leave all valuables at home, even items the patient might wear every day such as a wedding ring or watch. It is best to bring as little as possible to avoid losing any personal items, but some good things to include are comfortable nightclothes and slippers, toothbrush and other hygiene items, eyeglasses, all medicines, contact numbers, and reading items if the patient is in the condition where they might need some entertainment.
When filling out admission paperwork, the caregiver can help the patient by having all of their insurance and medical history information readily available. It is a good idea to have legal documentation such as a living will and power of attorney for the worst case scenario. Depending upon the circumstances of the hospital stay, the patient will be in a private or semi-private room. The hospital staff they will be interacting with include doctors, surgeons, nurses, nursing aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, technicians, pharmacists, and social workers.
There are many precautions to keep patients safe in their hospital room. Make sure that the call button to their nurse is within reach, there are handles or grab bars if necessary, and that their medications are accurate. Questions to ask the hospital staff include:
1. What is this test and when will we know the results?
2. What is my treatment plan and what are the risks?
3. What is the plan for my follow up care?
4. When will I be discharged?
When the patient is discharged, obviously it is important for the caregiver to get all medical instructions from the hospital staff. They should also make sure that the patient's home is ready for any recuperation needs they might have.
When packing for the hospital, leave all valuables at home, even items the patient might wear every day such as a wedding ring or watch. It is best to bring as little as possible to avoid losing any personal items, but some good things to include are comfortable nightclothes and slippers, toothbrush and other hygiene items, eyeglasses, all medicines, contact numbers, and reading items if the patient is in the condition where they might need some entertainment.
When filling out admission paperwork, the caregiver can help the patient by having all of their insurance and medical history information readily available. It is a good idea to have legal documentation such as a living will and power of attorney for the worst case scenario. Depending upon the circumstances of the hospital stay, the patient will be in a private or semi-private room. The hospital staff they will be interacting with include doctors, surgeons, nurses, nursing aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, technicians, pharmacists, and social workers.
There are many precautions to keep patients safe in their hospital room. Make sure that the call button to their nurse is within reach, there are handles or grab bars if necessary, and that their medications are accurate. Questions to ask the hospital staff include:
1. What is this test and when will we know the results?
2. What is my treatment plan and what are the risks?
3. What is the plan for my follow up care?
4. When will I be discharged?
When the patient is discharged, obviously it is important for the caregiver to get all medical instructions from the hospital staff. They should also make sure that the patient's home is ready for any recuperation needs they might have.
