Eldercare

Over 13 percent of Americans are over the age of 65, and this percentage is expected to increase to 20 percent by 2050. The rising numbers of elderly citizens has encouraged a number of hospitals to tailor service to those patients. Saint Francis Hospital is the first hospital in Oklahoma to open a special hospital unit designed with the older adult in mind.

The Eldercare Unit at Saint Francis Hospital is designed on the principals that healthcare must be tailored to the age of the patient. First, an older adult with the same illness as a younger adult has different needs and recovers at a different rate. An older adult’s illnesses may be complicated by other conditions or medications. Pharmacists and dieticians trained in the needs of older adults are available to assess and recommend needed changes.

Second, the faster a patient is up and around, the faster their recovery. The eldercare program encourages patients to follow a daily routine such as getting out of bed to read the paper, have breakfast, and take a walk around the unit. The unit is also equipped with a piano for patients and their visitors to enjoy.

Third, the design of the unit encourages family involvement – patient rooms are equipped with comfortable chairs and ample room for guests. There are no set visiting hours; spouses or caregivers are encouraged to order meals and eat in the rooms with the patients. Education is also provided to family members so they will know how best to help and encourage their loved ones.

Finally, the amenities surrounding the care enhance patient attitude and confidence. Simple things like toilet extensions, calendars with larger print and clocks with larger faces and numbers make life a little more simple.

The eldercare movement began in 1992 with a program called Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE). The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing, a part of New York University, led the initiative. With results like decreased lengths of stay, lower readmission rates and longer time periods between readmission, the NICHE program has succeeded in offering older patients a climate of confidence with respect to their health care needs.

Senior Specialty Unit opens at Saint Francis Hospital
The Senior Specialty Unit at Saint Francis Hospital is the first and only specialty unit in Oklahoma created to improve the hospital experience for people age 70 and older.

By the year 2010, it is estimated that 40 million Americans will be over age 65; of these, six million will be age 85 and older. An elder-friendly environment helps the patient regain their independence and health. In the Senior Specialty Unit patients are encouraged to get out of bed, get dressed, and stay mobile and active.

Family involvement is a major component in the Senior Specialty Unit. Visiting hours are “any time” and in-room accommodations are available for family members. At mealtime, family members may order food to be brought to the room so patients and visitors can eat together.

Patients feel empowered by such in-room amenities and conveniences as easy-to-read clocks, phones with bigger numbers, white boards for messages or reminders and cork boards for displaying family photos or greeting cards.