Does your elderly loved one have dementia? If so, there are many situations that could overwhelm them and cause them extreme distress. One of those situations is if they have to go to the emergency room. This can be a stressful time for them and cause many issues. However, there are some tips on how to handle an ER visit with your loved one who has dementia.
Familiarity
If your elderly loved one has to go to the emergency room, one of the ways that you can make this situation easier on them is to assure there is always someone with them that they are familiar with. For instance, if they are used to being around their elder care provider in the mornings, you should see if their provider can come visit them during these hours at the hospital. If you are usually with them in the evenings, stay with them at the hospital at this time.
Explaining Your Elderly Loved One’s Disease
It is also important that you are ready to explain to the doctors and nurses what your loved one goes through. You will need to let them all know that your loved one has dementia. In addition, you will need to let everyone know what specific things irritate your loved one and what works to calm them down, as well.
Create a Comfort Bag Ahead of Time
You probably already know that there are some situations that cause your elderly loved one discomfort. You can expect that a visit to the emergency room would be one of those situations. However, if you create a comfort bag ahead of time, you can bring this with your loved one to the hospital. It can be filled with some of their favorite things such as their slippers, a book they love, or even a game they enjoy playing. This will help to make things go smoother for them while they are staying in the hospital.
Have Medical Information and Insurance Cards Ready
If your loved one who has dementia is going to the emergency room, you want things to go as smoothly as possible. It would be helpful if you already have their medical information and insurance cards ready ahead of time.
Asking Questions
Another way to make an emergency room visit with your loved one go smoother is to ask all the questions you have. When a doctor or nurse comes into the room, don’t hesitate to ask questions. It is important that you can explain to your loved one what is going on or what will be done.
These are some of the tips on handling an ER visit with your loved one who has dementia. Keep these tips in mind for the next time your loved one has a visit to the emergency room.
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/going-hospital-tips-dementia-caregivers
If you are considering hiring elder care in Ogden, UT, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors of Ogden, UT. Call today 801-821-4535.