As a family caregiver, you don’t want to think about your senior experiencing an illness or injury so severe that it will result in hospitalization. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many seniors each year, and not being properly prepared for it could result in more serious issues for your parent. One risk you should be aware of is a condition known as hospital-induced delirium. This is a condition that can develop extremely quickly and have extensive consequences. Understanding it can help you to advocate for your senior, recognize what they are facing, and ensure they get the care they need. Delirium is characterized by mental functioning and state of mind that is worse than normal for your elderly parent.
Some things you should know about hospital-induced delirium include:
- Approximately half of all senior adults who are hospitalized will experience delirium.
- Those who experience delirium are more likely to experience serious consequences of their health issues.
- Despite how common it is and how severe the consequences can be, hospital staff often overlooks delirium. They might miss the signs and symptoms completely, or might attribute them to something else. This can make the situation worsen and put your parent at greater risk for serious consequences.
- Though some people are restless and over excited when they are delirious, they can also be quiet, unresponsive, and withdrawn. This type is often more difficult to detect than the louder, more active type.
- Experts estimate that approximately 40 percent of all cases of delirium are preventable with proper precautions and behaviors.
- Delirium can develop in a matter of hours.
- Elderly adults who experience hospital-induced delirium have a far higher risk of death within the year than those who do not experience this condition.
Care after a hospital stay can be invaluable to your parent’s recovery. If your senior has recently spent time in the hospital due to an injury or illness, having home care available to them after discharge can give them more confidence, and help you to feel better as their family caregiver knowing they will have the support and assistance they need to get through their recovery in the best way possible. An in-home senior care services provider can offer highly customized services specifically designed to help your parent cope with the challenges they are facing, get through their healing, stay compliant with medications and treatments, keep their mental and emotional health high, and overall enjoy a better lifestyle during and after recovery.
If you or an aging loved one needs home care in Granite Bay, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Source
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/hospital-delirium-what-to-do/
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