In order to genuinely provide the finest long-term results, we highlight an essential aspect of maintaining seniors’ dignity in this article, as well as what to anticipate throughout the hospital discharge process.
Why are hospital discharges and admissions so difficult? Standard best practices dictate that an RN, case manager, and social worker will be assigned to you or a loved one who is hospitalized to work on the arrangements for discharge. They take on a key role in the clinical team at the hospital and should be communicating with you about the discharge from the start of the hospital stay.
Be aware, though, that this plan could change. They will tell you what to anticipate one day, but the information they provide you the next day can likely be extremely different. Discharge plans frequently change and evolve as a result of new information acquired by the professional team, shifting circumstances, and new tests, which can leave family members feeling confused and even quite furious.
Even while getting discharged typically feels like an end destination, the process is actually an unpredictable journey that is always changing. Planning for discharge is extremely frustrating because of this.
What happens if a discharge to a patient’s home is not an option? Seniors more often than not want to return home rather than taking part in vital inpatient or acute rehabilitation therapy programs. Seniors frequently worry about losing their independence. The fear among older adults is that receiving acute or expert rehabilitation would be the catalyst for someone attempting to restrict their independence.
Because they believe they will be able to function as they did before to their hospital stay, seniors will occasionally advocate for a decision that isn’t in their best interest. After a few days in the hospital, seniors typically experience a functional decline, but they frequently fail to realize that this will prevent them from carrying out their normal everyday tasks. Seniors with dementia may also believe that they are performing better than they actually are.
The next phase in a journey for seniors who have been hospitalized for longer than a day or two is often skilled or acute rehabilitation. They should always abide by medical advice. Seniors are put at risk when they disregard medical advice, and this is what we most frequently see as reducing their sense of dignity as they age.
Having said that, becoming hospitalized is an extremely stressful experience. It is filled with anxiety and fear. According to studies, the major risk for elderly people and their families occurs 30 days after discharge.
We have a free download of the six essential steps to managing hospitalization. If you need more assistance than is offered in this article, you can contact us toll free at 855-456-7972 or visit our website at www.ikorofwpa.com