Do you know a senior that is going to be staying at a hospital? Did you know you can take steps in advance of the stay that will make it much easier and more manageable? When a senior you know or love has to be in the hospital for a visit, be sure to help with these steps to make it an easier stay.
The elderly hospital experience
A senior staying at the hospital can cause physical and mental distress. Helping a senior at the hospital will require a lot of patience. You have to understand that the senior is considering a different set of priorities than a young person entering the hospital.
While a young person may be considering their kid’s needs, their job and their upcoming events, a senior is thinking more about their daily responsibilities , such as who will feed their cat, who will pay their mortgage and who will care for their plants. Seniors need their caregiver to be understanding and reassure them in this situation so that they can feel at ease and concentrate on their care needs.
Seniors need you to help with emotions of helplessness and fear. They also are reflecting on concerns like:
- Mortality
- Their dwindling health
- Finances
- Losing their independence
- Memory loss and failing senses
How can one help with their hospital stay?
There are a few steps that you can assist a senior with to make sure their hospital stay is untroublesome. Start by:
- Pack an extra pair of clothes and personal items as this will ensure their comfort at the hospital
- Gather the insurance paperwork and medical history in case the doctor requests these items
- Have a spare key hidden outside of the house in case the stay is extended and a trusted friend can stop by the home to care for the pets, plants, and collecting mail
- You may also want to gather coins for the cafeteria and vending machines in case the stay lasts longer than anticipated and in case family members stop by to visit
- Make sure you’ve grabbed contact phone numbers for family to keep them posted on their health status and visiting hours
- Bring a book to read in case there is down time
You may also consider bringing along Health Care Power of Attorney, the DNR and the Living Will. These are nice to have just in case they are needed and will keep stress down. The best thing you can do for a senior is to bring everything they may need and to be a source of comfort during their hospital stay. If you are looking for exceptional in home care Pasadena CA, we can help!