Hospitalized Elderly

1. INTRODUCTION
Aging is a natural process that is associated with loss of functional reserve. 20 to 62% 1–6 of the elderly experience functional decline when an acute health problem prompt hospitalization in this group. This functional decline experienced by elders during hospitalization is not entirely explained by the acute episode which led to the hospitalization or admission, but we have noticed further deterioration in the functional ability of these older adult as a result of care and services rendered to them while in hospital. Functional decline in this sense cannot be linked to any unique cause but multifactorial. The factor could either be inherent to the patient, related to the environment or hospital associated disability

1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVE
Changes in functional status during hospital stay have rarely been evaluated. In this study, we assess the level of activities of daily living (ADL) before the admission, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) before the admission and activities of daily living during the hospitalization as a means to measure functional changes during hospital stay.
The purpose of this research work is to assess for effect of function focused care (FFC) on functional status of hospitalized elderly
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
As we
know that functional impairments are problems that are common among older patients but these can be improved with early recognition and treatment.
The primary aim of health care is to promote patient safety and avoid injury to patients, this becomes especially important in hospitalized older patient who are at risk for functional decline due to altered mobility levels.
During hospitalization, the elderly patient often experiences reduced activity levels, and mobility therefore resulting to functional decline in them. Changes in motility and physical status has been identified as the leading complication in the hospitalized elderly. The effect of bed rest during hospitalization especially in the elderly include accelerated bone loss, immobility, incontinence, sensory deprivation, dehydration, sheering forces on the skin and
malnutrition.
Hence, this calls for a great concern in healthcare services rendered to the elderly during hospitalization as this calls for a better approach to their treatment.
1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
This study is very important at this day and time as a remarkable decline is recorded in the functionality of the hospitalized older adult. The proportion of hospitalized elderly is expected to increase as the population ages. The average length of stay of these older adults had reduced over time which further heightens the challenge of proper assessment and actual needs for these ones during hospitalization and after discharge needs. The focus of assessment is centered on what triggered the hospitalization and resolving the immediate problem, with less attention on the underlying risk of functional decline and vulnerability to hospital acquired complications. The main risk factors for functional decline in these patient during and after discharge are; cognitive performances, functional status and social factors. All these risks can be averted if proper assessment and care is being rendered.