Functional decline in hospitalized older adults.
In older adults who are hospitalized, functional decline can occur in a matter of days. This devastating outcome is a common result of the older adult's "cascade to dependency," in which normal aging changes--combined with bed rest or immobility--result in irreversible physiologic changes, poor outcomes at discharge, and for many, placement in a nursing home. Routine walking schedules, activities to prevent sensory deprivation, and timely hospital discharge are among the interventions that can help prevent functional decline.
University of California-San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA. carla.graf@ucsfmedctr.org
Carla
C
Graf
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D001510:Bed Rest / Q000009:adverse effects; D015444:Exercise; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007902:Length of Stay; D016743:Mental Competency; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management; D012683:Sensory Deprivation; D014481:United States; D016138:Walking