Seniors experiencing health emergencies is nothing new as Millions of seniors experience health emergencies such as
How can we make seniors feel more comfortable during their hospital stay?
When taking a senior to the hospital, it can be overwhelming as everything is unfamiliar. However, there are ways to make the experience less stressful. Here are some essential tips for taking seniors to the hospital, whether it’s for an emergency or a routine check-up.
To pack for the hospital, it is best to bring only the essentials. These include comfortable clothes, personal items like nightwear and a bathrobe, a list of all medications (including over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions), contacts of friends and relatives, a health insurance card, a record of past illnesses, surgeries, and allergies (if any), as well as daily essentials like a toothbrush, deodorant, razor, comb, and brush.
Once you arrive at the hospital, the next step is admitting the senior. Make sure to complete all necessary paperwork and let the hospital staff treat the senior in their way. It is also helpful if the senior has Medicare health insurance, as this can help cover some of the healthcare costs during their stay.
To ensure the senior’s safety while at the hospital, keep in mind that they may be feeling tired or weak. Encourage them to use the call button if they need help, use handrails if allowed to walk, and grab bars for added support while showering. Make sure they are taking their medications on time and correctly. Keep frequently used items close by and ensure there are no wires or tubes in front of the bed. Lastly, keep the bed low to make it easy for the senior to get up.