As a Doctor, here are 5 things I would do if any loved one, especially over the age of 65, was ever admitted to hospital. To make sure they have the BEST possible outcome:
1. Check at least twice on Day 1 and Day 2 that the medical team knows the exact medications and dosages they are taking at home. You wouldn’t believe how often this is wrong (it’s called Medication Reconciliation”)
2. Make sure that the nurses, physios, aides— get my loved one out of bed and moving ASAP as soon as they are recovering from the condition. Muscular deconditioning, or what I call “Sinking In Bed Syndrome” can set in extremely fast, and will turn someone who was fully independent into a completely different person within a few days.
3. Monitor for any change in mental status/increasing confusion. This is very common, can be disastrous and significantly increases risk of complications. Make sure you communicate as assertively as you can to the medical team that your loved one is not themselves. Is it a medication side-effect, dehydration, infection, or something else? It must be investigated ASAP
4. When the time comes for discharge, the follow-up plan must be crystal clear. The ball cannot be dropped on anything. What was the diagnosis, what abnormal tests need primary care follow up (labs/imaging), restrictions (diet, exercise), what specialists need to be seen, and what to do/who to call if any new symptoms occur.
5. Be at the bedside every hour I’m allowed to be there for my loved one. Rotate with other family members if needed. If it was up to me there would be zero visitation restrictions— as long as no other patients are being disturbed.
I like to see a family member in the room of every patient I see on hospital rounds. If they are not there, I get them on speaker phone so they can listen in and ask questions.
Hospitals are very busy places. There are some great dedicated medical staff, but mistakes happen all the time. I’ve worked in dozens of hospitals and it’s always the same.
Be a solid advocate for your loved one and be on the ball. Don’t be intimidated. Speak up. Ask questions.
I really believe the above can save lives.
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