Senior Recovery
Are you hospitalized and aged 75 years or older?
Your recovery does not depend solely on caregiving staff. You and your loved ones also have a role to play.Tips to facilitate your recovery
Get moving!
Staying in bed is your worst enemy
- Sit in your armchair at least three times a day, at mealtimes.
- Walk to the bathroom. Walk to the living room with your visitors.
- Do everything you are capable of: Wash, shave, brush your teeth, get dressed, get up, go to the bathroom, etc.
- Notify the nurse if pain prevents you from moving.
Get enough food and drink
Whet your appetite!
- Take your medications with a full glass of water (if there are no limits on how much you can drink).
- Ask a loved one to bring your favourite snacks (notify staff). You need to eat to build your strength.
- Wear your dental prostheses if applicable.
Prevent constipation
(3 or more days without bowel movements)
- Eat, drink, and get moving to prevent constipation.
- Speak to your nurse if you feel constipated.
- Limit the use of the bedpan and of incontinence pants if you can.
Get some sleep
- Inform us of your sleep habits (e.g.: bed against the wall, music, herbal teas, etc.) if possible.
- Wear ear plugs if your condition allows it.
- Avoid long naps during the day. Do not lie down all day. Do not go to bed too early at night.
Prevent disorientation and confusion
- Engage in any activity that will keep your mind active (e.g.: crossword puzzles, puzzles, cards, etc.)
- Wear your glasses and hearing aids, if applicable.
- Bring pictures of your loved ones, your music, or familiar objects. Not responsible for personnal belongings. Leave your valuables at home.
Plan your discharge
- Plan who will go to the pharmacy and who will stay at home with you.
- Notify staff immediately if, at your home, you need to go up a flight of stairs, need to adapt your bathroom, and so on.
For family and loved ones
A family presence is both important and reassuring
- Two healthy visitors are authorized per person under normal circumstances.
- Wash your hands before entering and before leaving the room.
- Bring your lunch and eat with your loved one who is lodged.
- Encourage your loved one to move as much as possible, even in bed: to turn sideways in bed, to rotate his wrists and ankles, to swing his arms and legs, etc.
- Walk down the hallway with your loved one if he has sufficient balance and endurance (speak to the nurse or rehabilitation specialist).
- Respect rest periods.
- Remind your loved one that he is at the hospital and of the reasons for his hospitalization.
- Remind him of the current time of day: hour, day, date, and season.
- Designate a relative who can unite the family and keep others informed.
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