By Gabrielle Brackett, MS, MPH
Visits to the doctor – and even the emergency room – are sometimes inevitable throughout the aging process. According to research provided AARP, the top eight health issues that cause older adults to get admitted to the hospital include:
Cardiac arrhythmias. These heartbeat irregularities such as atrial fibrillation can cause palpitations, a sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to unconsciousness, stroke and even sudden cardiac arrest. In 2009, 543,000 adults over the age of 65 were hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat.
Congestive heart failure. In 2009, 751,000 adults over 65 entered the hospital for congestive heart failure. Why so prominent? One reason is that people are living longer with heart disease, which over time damages or weakens the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure — the heart’s inability to pump well.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 2008, 822,500 people with COPD, age 40 and over, entered a hospital. Smoking is the primary culprit behind COPD, an umbrella term that encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Coronary atherosclerosis. In 2009, 753,000 adults over 45 were hospitalized for coronary atherosclerosis, or a blockage of blood flow to the heart from the build-up of fatty plaque. That could cause a heart attack, resulting in heart damage, or simply chest pain from lessened blood flow that hasn’t yet led to permanent damage.
Diabetes. In 2009, 655,000 adults entered the hospital because of diabetes. Being overweight, inactive and age 45 and older are three prominent risk factors for type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes. Common reasons for hospitalization due to diabetes include strokes, heart attacks, ulcers and dehydration from elevated blood sugar levels.
Infection. Pneumonia is the most common infection (see below) but urinary tract infections are common as well. In 2011, the estimated total number of infections in hospitals reached more than 721,000, according to the CDC.
Medication problems. Drug reactions of some sort led to 4.6 million drug-related emergency department visits in 2009, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Medications most commonly involved: corticosteroids, blood thinners, sedatives and sleep aids.
Pneumonia. Pneumonia caused 674,000 visits to emergency departments in 2013, according to the CDC. As we age, our waning immune system makes us more vulnerable to both bacterial and viral pneumonia. Other conditions like diabetes, stroke and flu can predispose you to pneumonia as well.
Stroke. About 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, according to the CDC. When blood flow is cut off to part of the brain — because of a clot in an artery or a blood vessel that burst — the result is a stroke, which kills brain cells and can lead to death.
Getting admitted to the hospital for any illness, ailment or fall is a stressful, frightening life event. If your senior parent finds themselves in the hospital for a serious health issue, it’s time to plan for their return home. To ensure that they recover from their hospital stay, it’s important to plan accordingly. If your senior parent lives alone, it may be time to call SYNERGY HomeCare Corona, Riverside or Anaheim Hills. Our home health caregivers provide top-notch, compassionate and attentive services to ensure your loved one enjoys a complete and speedy recovery at home. Our home health caregivers offer a variety of wellness services, including:
- Hourly assistance to around-the-clock care
- Coordination and scheduling with therapists and specialists
- Medication reminders for treatment and prevention
- Fall and injury prevention
- Change in condition alerts
- Transportation and scheduling of doctors’ appointments
- Assistance with bathing, dressing and personal care
- Housekeeping, meal preparation and nutrition management
- Complimentary medical alarm for continuous monitoring
- Prescription drug pickups
- Assistance with daily activities
- Housekeeping, meal preparation and nutrition
- Help with bathing, dressing and personal care
SYNERGY HomeCare Corona, Riverside and Anaheim Hills provide in-depth knowledge and firsthand experience when it comes to managing the challenges and transition from the acute care environment to home. Call us today to ensure that your senior parent transitions from hospitalization to home with comfort and ease.
About SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona/ Riverside
SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona/ Riverside is the name you can trust in Corona, Norco, Riverside, Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar for personal home care. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona/ Riverside is part of a national franchise of non-medical home care offices dedicated to providing exceptional and affordable service to anyone of any age. SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to those in need – including seniors, expectant moms, those suffering from sports injuries and debilitating illnesses, and more.
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SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona/Riverside offers no obligation home assessments. Contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
