Persons With Dementia Have
Higher Rate of Hospitalizations

Avoid Hospitalization!

Among older persons with dementia, hospitalizations or ER stays place them at an increased risk of delirium, functional decline, and iatrogenic (hospital or physician caused) complications during an inpatient stay. Emergency hospitalization of older people, particularly those with dementia, is not a trivial event. A recent study by Dr Phelan and her colleagues at University of Washington clearly demonstrates this.

Elizabeth A. Phelan, M.D., M.S., of the University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues conducted a study to determine whether (JAMA. 2012; 307[2]: 165-172. www.jamamedia.org)

Among study participants with dementia, the average annual admission rate was more than twice that of those without dementia.

Three diseases:  bacterial pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and urinary tract infection, accounted for two-thirds of all potentially preventable admissions, and admission rates among those with dementia were significantly higher for all 3 conditions.

Admission rates for dehydration and duodenal ulcer, though low overall, were also significantly higher among those with dementia.

Early detection and outpatient management for these conditions among patients with dementia may very well minimize the need for hospitalization.

The frightening bottom line here is that persons with dementia end up in the hospital far more often than those without dementia.

At Always There Home Care, we understand this. For caregivers of persons living with dementia it isn't easy. One of the most common problems we face is urinary tract infection. Since the person living with dementia cannot always tell you they are sick, urinary tract infections (for one example) often "fester" and result in a trip to the emergency room. Our motto is: Get out in front.  Always. For all clients there is a routine to check him or her each day to avoid having a medical problem escalate.

Our job is to head off medical problems. Or, to be diligent and demanding when they do occur. We work closely with clients, families, doctors and facility staff to insure appropriate out patient treatment is obtained and the care is managed without a trip to the ER.

Dementia patients are vulnerable. We sometimes forget this. They need our help.

Watchful proactive care by Always There Home Care caregivers involves the following on a daily basis:

• Insuring that there is adequate fluid intake
• Careful observation and reporting of any skin abnormalities
• Routine vital signs, Blood pressure, pulse, respirations
• Noting of any breathing difficulties
• Noting change in appetite
• Evidence of any pain
• Insuring medication compliance
• Listening and carefully watching a client who is “not quite herself”
• Watching for changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Watching for sudden increased confusion
• Insuring that both caregivers and clients practice excellent hygiene at all times.

At Always There Home Care, our caregivers have helped our clients avoid unnecessary trips to the ER or hospital stays. All our clients have chronic diseases, but our hospitalization rate is less than 1 % a year, well below the national average.

Being diligent not only improves the life of the person living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, it also improves the life of their families and caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. The organization’s goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimer’s caregivers and their families worldwide.

We are so grateful he has given us permission to publish their material.