Elderly and disabled patients in the hospital may have compromised immunity systems. Unfortunately, these parties can wind up in worse health after they leave the hospital if they get sick while they are there.
When someone is already unwell, additional illnesses or infections can be devastating. In some cases, such conditions could even be fatal. With that in mind, you should know some tips for staying healthy and preventing your loved one does from getting sick at the hospital.
- Wash your hands. This might go without saying, but you should be vigilant with basic hygiene practices like washing your hands. If you are visiting a loved one, wash your hands before you enter his or her room.
- Keep sick people away. Visiting a sick loved one in the hospital may seem thoughtful, but if you are sick, you could do more harm than good. If you are the person in the hospital, ask friends and family to wait to come see if they have the flu, a fever, an infection, or anything else that may be contagious.
- Watch for signs of neglect and negligence. You may not have a license to practice medicine, but you can keep watch for signs that you or your loved one is not receiving proper care. Conditions like soiled linens and bedsores should be addressed right away.
- Immediately notify staff of signs of infection. Redness around injection sites, skin irritation, pain, fever, and difficulty breathing could all be signs of a hospital-acquired infection. Pay attention to these signs and notify a doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice anything troubling.
- Get plenty of rest and hydration. Whether a person is about to be discharged from the hospital or they have already gone home, staying well is crucial to recovery. This means getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids. In the hospital, staff should ensure patients receive enough of both. When you or your loved one return home, make sure someone is there to take over these responsibilities.
These simple tips can make a significant difference in a person’s recovery.
Too often, people get sick in the hospital and must stay longer. In some cases, elderly patients and others with compromised immunity must stay indefinitely, which can be upsetting and expensive. Avoiding unnecessary complications in the hospital will therefore be crucial.