Information for Family Members

We suggest that families consider the following issues before deciding upon hospital admission:

1. Could a medical illness be present?
   
   We suggest testing for medical illness by obtaining a complete blood count, electrolyte panel and urinalysis.
2. Could physical discomfort be present?
   
   We suggest that facility staff check for constipation and verify recent bowel movements.
3. Could a new illness be developing?
   
   We suggest that facility staff obtain blood pressure, temperature, respirations and pulse, as well as reviewing any evidence of illness such as cough, congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or severe headache.  
4. Could the resident be adjusting to a new situation?
   Patients with dementia who have recently been placed in a facility may require two to three weeks to adjust. Moving a resident out of a new place to the hospital may only prolong the adjustment and acceptance of living at a facility.
5. Could some medication changes be made to avoid hospitalization?
   
   Trying medications to calm agitated behavior in the facility may result in improvement without resorting to hospitalization.
6. Could the resident's bed be taken?
   
   Unless families pay for a bed hold, most facilities are not required to keep a bed open while a resident is hospitalized. We suggest clarifying with the facility if a bed will be available after hospital treatment.
7. Could the resident be asked to find another facility?
   
   Many facilities agree to re-admit a patient after hospital treatment "if the behaviors are better." We suggest that families discuss readmission with facility administrative staff if they are willing to readmit the resident.