By
Sandra O’Connell
Inevitable as the progression
of the disease itself,
hospitalization will happen to a
person with Alzheimer's disease
or related dementia.
Physical problems increase with
age; studies show that one-third
of the people discharged from
the hospital are 65 or older.
With a diagnosis of Alzheimer's
disease, the chance of
hospitalization increases
dramatically. Older individuals
are more likely to have multiple
conditions and weak immune
systems. Whether a planned
stay or the result of an
emergency, the caregiver needs
to be prepared to manage a stay
in the hospital.
Hospitalization is disruptive
and frightening for everyone;
for someone with Alzheimer’s,
the hospital is, indeed, a scary
place.
You might assume that a
hospital staffed by healthcare
professionals is a safe
environment. Unexpectedly,
the hospital requires more
vigilance and special skills by
the caregiver. The
very nature of a hospital and
the needs of a person with
dementia are not highly
compatible.
Hospitalization requires even
more care than normal from the
family; the following guidelines
should help you to prepare for
and survive a hospital stay.
They are derived from my
personal experience during 14
years of caregiving for my
husband that included three
hospitalizations, two stays in
rehab nursing homes and seven
trips to the emergency room.
My experience is supplemented
with that of my Alzheimer’s
support group and the current
literature.
Hospital
Environment
|
Patient with
Alzheimer’s
or related
dementia
|
|
Many are
understaffed.
|
Person needs
continued observation
and has more needs than
a regular patient.
|
|
Thrives
on information: blood
type, test results,
symptoms.
|
Not a reliable source
of medical history.
May be unable to express
discomfort or pain
|
|
Relies
on protocols, standards,
systems for care, and
schedules.
|
Person has little
ability to recognize
time or control
behavior; most likely
will not fit into the
hospital routine.
|
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