The Hospitalist reports the findings of a recent study about the negative cognitive effects of hospitalization on the elderly. The study showed that people 65 and older who were admitted to the hospital showed a rate of cognitive decline equivalent to aging 10 years or more.
The National Institute of Aging also suggests that hospitals for seniors should be avoided as much as possible. One way is to locate an appropriate environment for seniors, especially with early stages of memory loss, that provides a safe and secure setting along with specially trained caregivers who can assist residents around the clock, and has license nurse support on-site 7 days a week. ActivCare is just such a place.