Westmont Eldercare Navigator Cautions Family Members to Monitor Seniors During and After Hospitalization

It is not your imagination if during or after a hospital stay, you see that your family member is not as mentally sharp as before they were admitted. Disorientation and exacerbation of forgetfulness are real, says Mardy Chizek, an RN and Eldercare Navigator and president of Westmont's Charism Eldercare Services. A research study in HealthDay News confirms the increased incidence of memory problems during and after hospital intensive care stays.

Research is simply validating what we already know as delirium. Delirium is an acute change in mental status and can occur at any age and needs treatment to prevent long term deterioration, brain damage and death. It is more frequent in seniors and those with cognitive impairment of any level, but patients of any age can be affected. If you note that your loved one is more confused at the hospital than at home, make sure you alert the nursing and medical staff. They may not know what the normal baseline is for your family member.

Delirium may manifest with either agitation or withdrawal, both equally detrimental. Even after discharged from the hospital, it can take weeks or up to six months for the senior to regain their pre-hospital mental status. The cause is thought to be from illness, multiple medications, change in the physical environment or cues and sensory deprivation or over load.

While hospitalized, medication dosed as needed can be a great help. Other non-medicinal interventions include evaluating the number and type of medications, providing adequate food and fluids, making sure there is no constipation, and providing a quiet, calm environment. Make sure they can see out the window and are able to reorient using time of day as a focus. Place a clock where the patient can see it to help orient. Even though the senior may seem to be unaware, they may know family and friends. If you are at bedside and they are restrained, ask the hospital staff to remove restraining devices. Talk to them quietly and hold their hands.

“It is not unusual for older adults to become disoriented while in the hospital or after being discharged. Routines have been interrupted, they have been staying in unfamiliar surroundings, and they have little reserve to draw from during this crisis situation. Delirium is a serious medical condition which must be managed for the safety and well-being of the senior. It is not a normal process,” said Chizek.

For more information on making informed senior care decisions, visit Mardy Chizek and Charism Elder Care Services on-line at www.charism.net.