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Restorative care is provided once a patient has been discharged from a healthcare facility and requires additional services. The additional services include home care, rehabilitation programs, and extended care. Restorative care centers help the patient regain their previous level of functioning or acquire a new level of functioning due to the incapacitating effects of a disease or a disability. It aims to assist patients in enhancing their quality of life by encouraging independence,...

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Deconditioning in the hospitalized elderly.

Angela Gillis¹, Brenda MacDonald

¹School of Nursing, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

The Canadian Nurse

|August 27, 2005

Summary

Deconditioning, a physiological decline from inactivity, causes significant functional loss in elderly patients, especially after hospitalization. A comprehensive strategy involving specialized care, an elder-friendly environment, and exercise can combat these effects.

Area of Science:

Gerontology
Physiology
Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

Deconditioning is a physiological decline resulting from inactivity, bedrest, or sedentary lifestyles.
It leads to functional losses in mental status, continence, and daily activities, commonly affecting elderly individuals during hospitalization.
Musculoskeletal effects include diminished muscle mass, strength loss (2-5% daily), muscle shortening, joint structure changes, and reduced leg strength, impacting mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline a strategy for combating deconditioning in the elderly.
To address the functional losses associated with inactivity and hospitalization.
To improve the quality of care for elderly clients experiencing deconditioning.

Main Methods:

Describing a three-pronged strategy to combat deconditioning.

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Proposing a model of care tailored for the elderly population.

Advocating for the creation of an "elder-friendly" hospital environment.

Implementing a targeted exercise program.

Main Results:

The proposed strategy aims to mitigate the adverse effects of deconditioning.
Focus on specialized care models and environmental modifications can support elderly patients.
Exercise programs are crucial for restoring muscle mass, strength, and mobility.

Conclusions:

A multi-faceted approach is necessary to effectively combat deconditioning in the elderly.
Integrating specialized care, supportive environments, and exercise can improve functional outcomes.
Addressing deconditioning is vital for reducing falls, frailty, and immobility in older adults.