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A visit to the hospital might be necessary, but for a senior who suffers from dementia, it could cause serious additional problems as well. The upheaval of moving into a hospital, undergoing tests, and having unfamiliar people conduct procedures understandably creates significant stress for elderly persons who already struggle with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. In-home caregivers in Carlsbad should be aware of these dangers and do everything possible to reduce the adverse effects of a hospital visit on the elderly.
Preparation is Key
An article posted online last month emphasized that one of the most important ways that in-home caregivers in San Diego County can smooth the transition to the hospital is with preparation. Talk to the elderly person often about a planned hospital visit, or about the possibility of an emergency visit. Make and keep a clear, current list of the important medical information that doctors and nurses will need to know; this will allow you to give the senior your attention during transition instead of filling out endless forms and searching for insurance information.
Communicate Consistently and Gently
San Diego County In-Home Caregivers should never let a senior remain alone in a hospital room for a long time, or face doctors and nurses alone, if it seems that that will cause stress for the senior. Tell the patient frequently what is going on and why people are doing what they are doing. Communicate with hospital staff, making sure that everyone knows the senior has Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia and requires especially gentle care.
Carlsbad In-Home Caregivers Provide Continuity And Comfort
The more an elderly hospital patient sees familiar faces, objects, and routines, the easier the hospital stay will be. Even simply providing favorite magazines, TV shows, snacks, and conversation topics can make a struggling patient feel more at home. The more familiar visitors you can enlist to come see a senior, the more comfortable he will feel.
Originally posted 2012-04-05 10:30:02.