A new article in the Kaiser Health News has highlighted the growing number of elderly patients whose general health has deteriorated in hospital irrespective of their original ailment. In the United States, over 50% of patients over 85 return home more disabled than when they left, according to experts. The study found that a quarter of people with dementia are still living at home, and another third have moved into nursing homes or other care facilities. How hospitals treat elderly patients is becoming more of an issue since, according to the federal government. They are weakened by multiple chronic diseases and medications. Nearly 13 million seniors are hospitalized each year.
A new article in the Kaiser Health News has highlighted the growing number of elderly patients whose general health has deteriorated in hospital irrespective of their original ailment. In the United States, over 50% of patients over 85 return home more disabled than when they left, according to experts. The study found that a quarter of people with dementia are still living at home, and another third have moved into nursing homes or other care facilities. How hospitals treat elderly patients is becoming more of an issue since, according to the federal government. Nearly 13 million seniors are hospitalized each year.