This hospital ‘complication’ is a special threat to seniors

It’s a side effect no one warns you about.

Sure, we’ve heard a lot about hospital infections, medication errors and treatment mix-ups. But this is different, and it can be deadly.

And even if it doesn’t kill, it can rob you of your independence.

The formal name is “hospitalization-associated disability.” But what that really means is: the older you are, the more dangerous a stay in the hospital is.

That’s why it’s urgent to know what steps to take in order to keep yourself and your loved ones as safe as possible.

Doing more harm than good

No one enjoys a stint in the hospital, but if you’re over 70, it can be a turning point in your life.

And that’s even when you fully recover from whatever sent you there in the first place.

Published research has found that a third of those over 70 — and half over 80 — leave the hospital “more disabled” than when they got there.

And by disabled, the researchers mean no longer being able to dress, bathe or even walk without assistance.

So why does this happen?

Dr. Ken Covinsky, a practicing physician and researcher puts the lion’s share of the blame on doctors. “A lot of the stuff we do in medicine does more harm than good,” he says. Adding, that when caring for seniors, “less is

more.”

Numerous aspects of a hospital stay can combine to be the tipping point for many seniors. Things like bad food, too much time spent in bed and not being able to get a good night’s sleep are some.

Then there is one of the least discussed hazards for those up in years — and that’s “hospital delirium.”

Hospital delirium is often put off as senility, or an older person not knowing what they’re doing. But it’s nothing like that. And if it’s not treated properly it can have devastating consequences.

Hospital delirium is caused by a disruption in the brain’s neurotransmitters triggered by a combination of unfamiliar surroundings, stress, illness, dehydration and drugs. A long list of drugs, including sleeping pills, painkillers,

blood pressure meds and even ones for incontinence.

And once a patient becomes confused and agitated and starts saying things that don’t make sense, the knee-jerk reaction is usually to order even more drugs. Sometimes patients are put in restraints, which just makes matters worse.

Unfortunately, if hospital delirium isn’t recognized quickly enough, a patient is at risk for never fully recovering from it. And in your 70s or 80s that can be a fatal blow.

Some facilities have recognized the special problems seniors face in hospitals, and have started up special wards just for them. At San Francisco General, they now have an Acute Care for Elders floor. And the focus is on one thing — to

get the patient out of the hospital and back home as soon as possible.

So if you or someone you love is at an age where a hospital is the most dangerous place to be, here are some tips to make it out with as little damage as possible.

• Take a leaf out of San Francisco General’s book and talk with your doctor about being released ASAP.
• Like swimming, no one should be in the hospital without a “lifeguard,” a friend or relative who can monitor drugs, tests and treatments. Try to avoid medications to help you sleep or calm down. And if you can skip the extra pain

  meds, you’ll be better off in the long run.

• Get up and walk around as soon as possible. Being in bed too long not only promotes blood clots, but can add to the risk of hospital delirium.

And remember, hospital delirium strikes around 20 percent of hospitalized seniors and is more likely to happen in the ICU. But recognizing it is vital, as it’s a medical emergency.

Sources:
“The older you are, the worse the hospital is for you” Anna Gorman, August 15, 2016, CNN, cnn.com