How to prevent hospital related deconditioning
Keeping your loved ones active and what to bring
Helpful information about keeping active in hospital
Get up, get dressed and keep moving: How to prevent hospital related deconditioning.
Deconditioning is when a person loses the ability to do everyday tasks over a period of time. This is often caused by inactivity or long periods of time in bed. Many elderly people experience this after a stay in hospital.
Did you know?
- 10 days of bed rest in hospital ages the muscles by the equivalent of 10 years in people over 80
- Lack of mobility caused reduced bone strength and muscle wastage
- A shorter length of stay reduces the risk of hospital infection
- Falls are reduced if people move more in hospital
- People who move more in hospital are more likely to return home and require less support on discharge
Deconditioning can lead to number of issues for older people which can a have a longstanding, negative effect. This includes:
- Reduced mobility
- Reduced balance and falls
- Reduced independence
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Increased risk of constipation and urinary retention
- Functional incontinence
- Low self-esteem/mood
- Impact cognition