Geriatric Quick Consult      Placement Problems      Do #1

Think about discharge early in the hospital course.

Knowledge Action
When a 30 year old is admitted for a COPD exacerbation and discharged 2-3 days later, it is not generally necessary to plan for discharge several days in advance.

The same is not true of an 85-year-old male following a weeklong stay for pneumonia.

The 85-year-old gentleman who lived at home with his 83-year-old wife has needs that cannot be met simply by discharging him home to be cared for by his wife.

The 85-year-old man is probably deconditioned from lying in his hospital bed for the majority of the week.

He may have a decubitus ulcer either on his sacrum or heels.

He may even need supplemental oxygen for a period of time.

His 83-year-old spouse may have rheumatoid arthritis and be unable to help him physically or even dress a wound.

He may have a child living at home that can help or he and his wife may have no support system.
  • Review patient's needs when considering discharge.
As soon as you admit an elderly person, begin discussing with them their living situation and support system.

Find out if there is an adult living in the house that can help the patient move about the house, dress wounds, and provide meals.

Explain why you are asking these questions and ask in a sensitive manner.

If you find the patient lives alone and has no support system, involve the social worker immediately to start addressing discharge planning.
  • Discuss living situation.


  • Discuss support system.


  • Explain your questioning.


  • Ask in a sensitive manner.


  • Involve social worker immediately.
[Geriatric Quick Consults | Placement Problems | Placement Do's and Don'ts ]