Older people in hospital

Older people usually present to hospital because of a crisis: a sudden change in health, function, or circumstances that causes worry, distress, or overwhelms independence or care provision. Crises may relate to the individual, the carer, care systems, or the environment. At the point of presentation it may not be clear which, or what combination, of these is responsible. It is necessary to identify all relevant factors for hospital care to be effective and efficient. Admission to hospital for an acute illness can have a major negative impact on an older person’s ongoing functional abilities, hence systems of care need to know when to expect and how to manage functional deterioration.