- Date:
- 19 Mar 2024
Older people in hospital provides clinicians with evidence-based information and simple strategies to minimise the risk of functional decline for older people in hospital. It is underpinned by the principles of person-centred practice.
This resource is the third edition of the Best care for older people everywhere: the toolkit. It has been developed in collaboration with Victorian health services, the Clinical Leadership Group on Care of Older People in Hospital, the National Ageing Research Institute, and a number of subject matter experts.
The material included in Older people in hospital and the accompanying e-learning and audio visual resources are classified as informal learning opportunities. Professional health practitioners can choose to keep a detailed record of the number of hours spent on this site. This is classified as self-directed and Internet-based learning and contributes to the informal learning component of Continuing Professional Development required for ongoing accreditation.
Hospital environment audit tool (HEAT)
The HEAT provides clinicians and other hospital staff with an evidence-based tool to audit their hospital and optimise the environment to best meet the needs of older people.
Assessment, communication and person-centred practice
Improving outcomes for older people in hospital requires good communication, assessment and person centred practice.
Cognition - dementia, delirium and depression
Cognitive impairment can place older people at greater risk of functional decline in hospital. Identifying, investigating and responding to the issue is important to prevent this.
Continence in older people
Incontinence can be a sign that an older person is experiencing health conditions. Screening, assessment and intervention can improve their health in hospital and at home.
Falls, mobility and self-care
Older people who present to hospital with a fall, a history of falls or mobility problems are at risk of functional decline.
Frailty
Frailty is characterised by a decline in body functions and systems. It is associated with falls, long hospital stays, difficulty recovering and mortality.
Nutrition and swallowing in older people
Nutrition and swallowing problems can cause functional decline in a older patient. Identifying, investigating and responding to these issues is important to prevent this.
Medication
Medicine use in older people is complex and highly individual. It needs to be monitored and managed to avoid errors and adverse effects and to help older people get the best outcomes from medication use.
Pain in older people
Many older people in hospital experience pain but it is sometimes overlooked. Pain should be identified, assessed and managed.
Palliative approach to caring for older people
Palliative care shifts the focus from prolonging life to maximising quality of life and providing appropriate care to patients and their families.
Pressure injuries and skin tears
Pressure injuries and skin tears are the most common wounds that affect older people as a result of being in hospital.
Supporting information for older people in hospital
Factsheets, implementation and clinical case studies, information on clinical handover, guardianship, least restrictive practice and health service initiatives, and information for consumers.
Updated