One of the most stressful moments for all carers, if an elderly loved a hospital. The hospital can be a scary place. The fear that people feel when caring for someone dear to the whims of a large hospital is not unfounded . It is well documented that older patients at risk for a whole range of complications during hospitalization. Some of them are confused, infections, inflammation of bed, weakness and falls.

Here are some tips to avoid complications and improve care.

1) Avoid the whole hospital, if possible!

Sometimes it is unavoidable - and may be life-saving treatment. At other times, especially for patients with advanced dementia or other serious diseases, it may not be what the patient needs or wants. Clarification of advance directives (eg living will or healthcare proxy) will give you a better sense of what your loved one wants. A good first question for a doctor who advises you to a loved one to the ER is "what they can do for him or her". For example, a woman I met told me of her mother with advanced dementia living in a nursing home. The house was the woman the man, because his mother had a little droop in her face and she wanted them to the ER to see if, after a stroke. When the son of the question, "Where in the ER it better?" "The doctor at the nursing home, said:" No, it would only give us a diagnosis ". In this case, is the son knew his mother would not want to go to the ER and he was ok, not with a definitive diagnosis. As long as his mother does not suffer, he believes that they would prefer to stay home and not as permanent a lengthy and confusing visit to the emergency room.

2) Find out which doctor you will be loved for his care.

Today, many primary care physicians do not care about their patients in hospital. Instead, they have to Hospitalists - internist who specializes in the care of patients in hospital. Admitted, if the emergency room, ask the doctor, the "doctor". After their admission, the patients in the nurse should be able to provide this information as well. If no one seems to know who is responsible if a "" patient representative "in the hospital. They will help you a lawyer and get what you need.

3) Create (and update) a simple medical record.

Until we are a universal electronic health record (or chips in your skin!) Is it advisable to establish a simple and up-to-date health record for aging parents. This document should: diseases, surgery, medication (including drugs which have been stopped, and why), test results (colonoscopies, X-rays, mammograms, etc., if available), allergies, contact information for doctors and next of kin, guidelines ahead. This simple document will be the doctors know more about their patients and could, if the rescue of a loved one is in the emergency room. It can also prevent unnecessary tests and procedures. The creation of this document sends the message that the patient is cared about and concerned family.

4) Make sure that family and friends come to visit as much as possible.

If patients with mental or physical impairment, their ability to express what they need, make sure that they have someone to speak for them as much as possible. Whether it is to ensure that they are cleaned and fed, or that they do not qualify for a procedure, which means for a roommate - try not to let alone. Family members or friends can the strata, or for those who can afford it, hire a nurse or a nurse to help. If nobody can use it in person, someone to appoint the representatives of the family and make sure that the person who calls in the care for each shift of an update, as the patient is doing and what is planned.

5) Find out who will be responsible for discharge planning.

This is usually done by a social worker, but occasionally it can be a nurse. Make yourself known to that person soon. With hospital stays becoming shorter, it is important that this person be aware of any concerns you have about discharge. Let them know if there is security concerns at home. Even if your loved ones are too weak or sick at home, the discharge planner can help you in a rehab facility as a transition to home.

6) Ask for a second opinion.

If a treatment or procedure is being offered, and you feel unsure if this is in the best interest of the patient to obtain a second opinion. Medicare is.

7) Ask for a geriatric consult.

If your love is over 65 and has several medical problems, a geriatric medicine consult may be helpful. These are specially trained physicians to care for elderly patients are qualified and in end-of-life care.

Did you know that U.S. companies lose $ 33.6 billion each year because their employees are also trying to care for a parent? Successful Care Inc. provides your employees with educational programs to help them find the best care for their aging loved ones. Through lectures, seminars and individual counseling, Dr. Loengard is an insight into the medical, emotional and financial aspects of care, if everyone is for aging parents. Your employees feel better about the care they offer, and spend less time away from work!