1. What should my parent pack for a stay in the hospital?
2. What should not be brought to the hospital?
3. My mom has dementia. How can I make the hospital stay easier on her?
4. What is a geriatric assessment?
1. What should my parent pack for a stay in the hospital?
- Health insurance card
- List of medications, including over-the-counter, herbal, and prescription
- List of past illnesses, surgeries, and allergies
- Contact list of family members
- Pajamas, bathrobe, slippers
- Toiletries
- A small amount of cash for magazines, newspapers, etc.
2. What should not be brought to the hospital?
- Jewelry (including wedding rings, watches, etc.)
- Credit cards and checkbooks
- Any more than $10 cash
3. My mom has dementia. How can I make the hospital stay easier on her?
Try to arrange a schedule for you and your family members so that someone she knows is always there. This can be a difficult accommodation, but hospitals are confusing, busy places with a lot of rules and regulations that a person with dementia may not be able to follow. The hospital staff’s primary concern is the condition or illness for which she is hospitalized, and the dementia may be overlooked without constant reminding. She’ll need an advocate to help her get the best care, and to make sure she doesn’t get out of bed suddenly, unhooking her IV, or wander down the hall.
4. What is a geriatric assessment?
If an older patient has a combination of problems that might make it difficult to remain living independently, some hospitals will provide a geriatric assessment. A team that includes a doctor, nurse, social worker, and other specialists will perform a thorough exam to determine the older patient’s physical and mental health, family life, financial situation, living arrangements, and ability to perform activities of daily living. The team will then make a diagnosis and develop a plan to help the patient receive the services and care needed. If you think this is a service your parent or loved one could benefit from, call the hospital to see if they provide a geriatric assessment.
