Top Ten Tips from Des Peres Hospital’s ACE team

By the year 2050, the Administration on Aging estimates that adults 65 and older will make up more than 20 percent of the U.S. population, versus 12.8 percent in 2000.  As people live longer, individuals and family members will increasingly need to adapt to the limitations that come with aging.

“Aging can bring challenges and frustrations, but some simple steps and techniques may help an older person maintain their health, dignity and a sense of independence,” said Denise Lambing, director of the new Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit at Des Peres Hospital and an RN with 25 years of patient care experience.

Following are the top ten things the ACE team at Des Peres Hospital suggests keeping in mind with older adults:

·        Make sure that home heating and cooling works properly and is set at a comfortable temperature.  Older people do not have the sweating and shivering abilities of younger adults, so they can overheat or become cold more quickly.

·        Encourage older adults to drink plenty of water, especially as warmer weather approaches.  As we age, we lose our perception of thirst, so it becomes easy for older adults to become dehydrated.

·        Encourage older adults to eat many small meals throughout the day, and to take as many meals as possible in a social environment.  Appetite and sense of smell also wane as we age, so older adults tend not to eat properly.  And it is especially hard to eat alone. 

·        Larger meals can cause blood pressure to drop dramatically because of blood rushing to the stomach.  By eating smaller meals more often, an older adult can ensure they are getting adequate nutrition and avoid massive changes in blood pressure.

·        Watch for problems with dentition and swallowing.  Ill-fitting or poorly cleaned dentures can interfere with good eating.

·        Know the medications that your older family member is taking.  Have a current list available and be sure to check with the physician or pharmacist before adding another drug to the list, even if over the counter or herbal, to avoid possible negative drug interactions.

·        Help them maintain a sense of independence, whatever their ability level.  Let them wash their face, comb their own hair, feed and dress themselves, even if it takes a little longer. 

·        Watch their mood.  Emotional health and physical health are closely connected, so watch for signs of depression.  It is okay to ask someone if they are sad or depressed.

·        Create a safe and friendly home environment -- up the wattage in lighting fixtures, especially in high-use rooms such as the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom; install assistive devices such as shower stools and grab bars; look for clothing that buttons down the front and slip on footwear; discourage use of throw rugs or at least make sure they are properly secured.

·        Encourage physical and social activity.  Daily walking and regular social contact help maintain good overall health

In the ACE unit at Des Peres Hospital, older patients are placed under the care of a specialized, multi-disciplinary team, devoted to minimizing the adverse consequences of procedures, tests and medications, and to maintaining the patient’s function levels and reducing length of stay in the hospital. 

Des Peres Hospital is a 167-licensed bed community hospital located at the intersection of interstate 270 and Dougherty Ferry Road.  In addition to senior care, Des Peres Hospital provides quality medical and surgical care through a wide variety of services and programs, including heart care, orthopedics and emergency care. 

Tenet Saint Louis is a 1,584-licensed bed system of academic and community hospitals and schools of nursing.  Its facilities include Des Peres Hospital, Forest Park Hospital, Saint Louis University Hospital, SouthPointe Hospital and St. Alexius Hospital

The health system employs approximately 5,500 people and cares for patients from eastern Missouri, southern Illinois and beyond. Tenet Saint Louis is the fourth-largest employer in the city of St. Louis.  Current Tenet Saint Louis hospitals combined provided care to more residents of the city of St. Louis who were hospitalized from October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2000 than any other health system.

Tenet Healthcare Corporation, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates 114 acute care hospitals with 27,851 beds and numerous related health care services.  Tenet and its subsidiaries employ approximately 116,000 people serving communities in 16 states.  Tenet’s name reflects its core business philosophy: the importance of shared values among partners - including employees, physicians, insurers and communities - in providing a full spectrum of health care.  Tenet can be found on the World Wide Web at www.tenethealth.com.

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