The aftereffects of a hospitalization can leave many patients in a vulnerable state known as “post-hospital syndrome” that increases the likelihood of a readmission, The New York Times reported.
Among elderly patients, hospital readmissions remain “stubbornly” high–18 percent of discharged Medicare beneficiaries returned to the hospital within 30 days in 2016, according to CMS. Patients who leave the hospital often continue to experience hospital-related stresses that can impact health—including disrupted sleep from staff taking vitals at early morning hours, reduced muscle mass and balance from days in bed, new prescription medicines and pain.
Still, hospitals have yet to adopt policies that better enable healing for older patients, like pediatric institutions.
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Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."