Acute Care for Elders
- Many seniors will have Medicare but no other resources for covering the cost of hospitalizations and treatment demanded by an acute emergency. Doing a little research before the fact can save time and worry.
First, make an effort to have an ongoing relationship with the elderly family member's primary care physician (PCP). The PCP can help you prepare for emergencies by providing the names of specialists in cardiac, pulmonary and oncological areas, for example. When a situation arises, the specialist's office can be contacted to make a formal referral. However, having the framework in place beforehand minimizes delays. - "There are three signs you need to bring your elder family member into an ER," says Treva N., a retired registered nurse in Texas. "These are heart or chest pain, pronounced disorientation or shortness of breath. And, of course, after any fall."
Having the hospital emergency room attend to the acute need is the most critical step you can take. After the ER has made a diagnosis, a doctor will likely explain the options to the family.
As a first step, call Medicare and any other insurance held by the elderly person. Have the insurance representative explain in detail what will and will not be covered. Making decisions about treatment options should not be based on finances alone; the threat to the senior's quality of life, family resources and patient preference must also be considered. - The older a person becomes, the more likely she will have an ongoing need for acute care. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent future acute episodes, particularly in the area of preparedness. In addition to "elderproofing" a residence, you can install an emergency notification system which the elderly person can activate from a necklace or bracelet. You also should arrange to be present or to have someone present in the home with the elderly family member for her first few nights away from the hospital.