What to Do When Your Elderly Loved One Is Hospitalized: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Christopher Zambakari
- May 26
- 5 min read
Dr. Christopher Zambakari, B.S., MBA, M.I.S., LP.D.
Owner/Operator; Desert Haven Home Care, Apollo Residential Assisted Living, Villa Fiore Assisted Living-Prescott Valley
Under a single home care umbrella, Desert Haven Home Care, Apollo Residential Assisted Living, and Villa Fiore Assisted Living-Prescott feature unparalleled care, feature unparalleled care, service and advocacy in the compassionate treatment of senior citizens in need of medical attention. Offered in a familial setting, the facilities are teamed by professionals passionate about their work and fully engaged in the welfare of residents. Each facility proudly provides patient-centric supervisory, assisted and directed care, short-term respite stays and memory care support for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
The U.S. elderly population grows—one in six adults is now over 65. The number climbs as Baby Boomers age. Our elderly require additional support and longer recovery times during hospital stays, which makes patient care more challenging than ever before.
Quality patient support can make a positive difference in recovery outcomes and overall health. In fact, your presence and attention at important moments, and the questions you ask, help ensure meaningful senior care.
Let’s explore what you will need to know when a senior loved one requires hospitalization.
Preparing for hospital emergencies
Unexpected hospital visits are common for the elderly. Being prepared for such an event is an important first step.
Start by creating an emergency medical file with vital information that healthcare providers need. Include a complete list of current medications, known allergies, chronic conditions, and contact details for all healthcare providers. Pack copies of important documents like insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid information, advance directives, and any do-not-resuscitate orders. Include an updated list of emergency contacts, including family members.
Keep all documents in a labeled folder that’s available to emergency responders quickly. Put the folder near the front door or on the refrigerator—places paramedics typically look for such information.
A hospital “go-bag” facilitates preparedness. Pick a medium-sized rolling duffel bag or backpack with multiple compartments. Pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to put on and remove, along with non-slip socks or slippers. Include personal care items such as dental/denture supplies; eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, and basic toiletries; a small pillow or favorite blanket; and entertainment items like books or puzzles. Avoid bringing valuables, large amounts of cash, or non-essential electronics. Focus on items that help comfort and communication with healthcare providers. Good preparation gives you the tools to advocate for elderly patients during their hospital stay.
Another measure in go bag-type preparation: To avoid additional time and costs, know the location of nearby emergency departments that are certified geriatric emergency departments and which accept Medicare.
Supporting your loved one during admission
Emotional support plays a vital role in an elderly patient’s hospital stay and recovery process. Research shows that older adults with adequate emotional support report improved psychological well-being and lower depression scores. Your physical presence throughout their admission process makes a real difference.
Create a comfortable hospital-stay environment. Clear communication with the healthcare team helps you advocate effectively. Be complete in your conversations with these professionals. Ask questions. What treatments will take place, and what outcomes are anticipated? Knowing the potential side effects and risks, as well as an expected recovery timeline, will make you a better-informed advocate. What are the post-discharge care requirements? Take copious notes, leave nothing to guesswork.
At the hospital, companionship matters; simply “being there” helps reduce the fear associated with hospitalization. Simple gestures are effective—hold their hand, read to them, bring them familiar items from home. Not for nothing, studies show that family members who participate in caregiving responsibilities reduce hospital readmission rates by as much as 25 percent.
Be in the room during your loved one’s medical appointments in order to understand care instructions and proposed actions. Often, the patient may not fully absorb such communications; your presence and attention better ensures appropriate follow-up and complete care delivery.
That said, allow your loved one some space, some autonomy. Let him or her speak for themselves, if possible. Allow them participation if and when the opportunity presents.
Simple gestures are effective—hold their hand, read to them, bring them familiar items from home. Not for nothing, studies show that family members who participate in caregiving responsibilities reduce hospital readmission rates by as much as 25 percent.
Working with the healthcare team
Optimal hospital care comes when a patient’s advocates and healthcare professionals work together. Such relationships encourage clear clinical communication and can lead to better functional outcomes after discharge.
Regular meetings between you and healthcare providers can help identify team members and leaders, build situational awareness, assign responsibilities, and facilitate group decisions about patient care. Regular communication and teamwork enables effective, patient-centered care that addresses your loved one’s health needs completely.
The foundations of good healthcare team coordination include:
clear explanations about symptoms, concerns, and priorities.
details about recent health changes or medication adjustments.
questions about treatment plans and methods.
support for tailored care addressing specific needs.
Research shows that four key actions—understanding protocols, supporting patients, following care plans, and monitoring team members’ actions—help to reduce medical errors. Record your observations about what you witness, hear, or notice during care interactions. This builds a baseline and a timeline of your loved one’s health status, making team communication easier.
Conclusion
Managing hospital stays can overwhelm. Proactive steps improve patient outcomes. Care of your elderly loved one involves careful preparation, consistent support, and effective teamwork with healthcare providers during hospitalization.
Medical emergencies strike without warning. Prepare in advance. A well-laid-out emergency file, packed hospital bag, and a clear communication strategy ensure quality care from admission through discharge.
Emotional support matters. Being present for your loved one helps create comfort during challenging times.
Quality hospital care for elderly patients depends on building strong partnerships between family supporters and healthcare professionals. The right preparation and knowledge will help your elderly loved one receive complete, dignified care throughout their hospital stay.
About the Author
Dr. Christopher Zambakari is the owner and operator of three Arizona-based assisted living care homes – Desert Haven Home Care in Phoenix, Apollo Residential Assisted Living in Glendale, and Villa Fiore Assisted Living in Prescott Valley, Arizona. He provides direction and oversight to a team of licensed medical and caregiving professionals to ensure the highest levels of customized care, service and advocacy at each of his facilities. Zambakari is founder and CEO of The Zambakari Advisory, an international consultancy in the areas of strategic intelligence, program design and transitional processes. He is a Hartley B. and Ruth B. Barker Endowed Rotary Peace Fellow, and the assistant editor of the Bulletin of The Sudans Studies Association.
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