No one looks forward to a hospital stay. It’s stressful, uncomfortable, and filled with uncertainty. But for elderly patients, it can be even harder. They often face longer recovery times, greater emotional strain, and a higher risk of complications.
Hospitals are fast-paced clinical settings—not always well suited to the slower pace and special needs of older adults.
As their child, your presence and support can make a world of difference. Your role isn’t just about showing up—it’s about stepping in. From helping manage their care to being their emotional anchor, you’re an essential part of the process.
So, here’s a guide to help you support your elderly parent during a hospital stay.
1. Keep Track of Their Medications and Treatments
Elderly patients often take a mix of medications to manage chronic conditions. During a hospital stay, these medications can change—some might be paused, others introduced, and new side effects may appear. You need to stay on top of these changes.
Keep a running list of medications, dosages, and the reasons they’re being given. Ask the nurse or doctor to explain anything you don’t understand. Double-check for potential drug interactions and ask how each medication may affect your parent’s alertness, appetite, or sleep.
2. Prioritize Their Mental Health: Don’t Hesitate to Ask for a PMHNP
Hospital stays can take a toll on an elderly person’s mental health. It’s not uncommon for them to experience depression, anxiety, or even episodes of confusion. If your parent seems emotionally disturbed, it’s time to raise your concerns with the care team.
One valuable resource is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner or PMHNP. These professionals specialize in diagnosing and managing mental health conditions and are especially helpful in complex situations involving older adults. Thanks to the availability of PMHNP online programs, hospitals, and clinics now have access to more highly trained professionals than ever before. If your parent shows signs of distress, asking for a PMHNP consultation is a proactive way to get them the emotional support they need.
3. Be Present—and Be a Clear Communicator
Your presence alone can be reassuring to your parent. Beyond emotional support, you also serve a practical role—helping them understand their care and speaking up on their behalf when needed. Try to be present during doctor visits and key conversations about treatment or discharge planning.
Take notes or use your phone to record instructions (with permission). Repeat key points back to the doctor to confirm you understood correctly. Ask questions, even if they seem basic. Clarity is critical. Many elderly patients hesitate to ask for help or may forget what was said.
4. Advocate for Their Comfort and Dignity
Hospitals are not home, and the environment can be cold and clinical. For elderly patients, small touches of familiarity can make a big difference. Bring your parent’s own pillow, a cozy blanket, or a photo from home. These items help them feel more at ease in an unfamiliar setting.
Pay attention to their comfort. Are they cold? Do they need help reaching the call button? Has their water been refilled? Simple things like proper lighting, soft clothing, and regular toileting all contribute to a better hospital experience. Advocate for their dignity as well—make sure staff speak directly to them and treat them with respect, even when your parent is tired or struggling to communicate.
5. Encourage Mobility—Safely
Rest is important, but so is movement. Staying in bed too long can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness, blood clots, and even pneumonia. Many elderly patients lose significant strength during hospital stays simply because they aren’t moving enough. That’s why it’s essential to encourage safe, regular movement when it’s medically allowed.
Ask the care team when your parent is cleared to get out of bed. Even short walks to the hallway or sitting up in a chair for meals can make a big difference. If they need help, request support from a nurse, a physical therapist, or a mobility aid. Avoid pushing them too hard, especially if they’re still weak or dizzy. The goal is slow and steady activity that promotes circulation and strength.
6. Coordinate with the Hospital Social Worker or Case Manager
Hospitals are complicated systems, and transitioning out of one can be just as challenging as being admitted. That’s where the social worker or case manager comes in. These professionals help arrange follow-up care, equipment, rehabilitation services, and any other support your parent may need after discharge.
It’s never too early to reach out to them. Don’t wait until the day before discharge to start making a plan. Ask about transportation, prescriptions, at-home nursing, or possible rehab centers. They can also help you understand insurance coverage and connect you with local services. When you’re juggling so much already, having someone guide you through the process is a huge relief.
7. Keep Friends and Family in the Loop
You might feel like the weight of your parent’s care is all on your shoulders, but it doesn’t have to be. Let others help, even in small ways. A simple group message or shared update app can keep family and close friends informed without repeating the same details over and over.
Share the load if you can. Ask someone to bring a meal, stay for a visit, or take care of things at home while you’re at the hospital. Let people know how your parent is doing and what kind of support you need. Often, people want to help—they just don’t know how.
8. Plan Ahead for a Smooth Transition Home
Discharge day can feel like a relief, but it also marks the beginning of a new phase. Before your parent comes home, take time to prepare. Make sure their living space is safe and accessible. Remove clutter and rugs that could cause falls. Set up a comfortable place to rest that’s close to a bathroom, and ensure they have any mobility aids or medical equipment they need.
Go over the discharge instructions with the nurse or doctor. Understand which medications need to be taken, when follow-ups are scheduled, and what signs to watch for. If your parent needs help with daily tasks, arrange for in-home care or reach out to a family member who can assist. A smooth transition home reduces stress and increases the chances of a full recovery.
Caring for an elderly parent during a hospital stay is demanding, but it’s also deeply meaningful. You become their voice, their advocate, and their connection to home.
No one can do everything perfectly, and you don’t have to. The most important thing is to be present, attentive, and willing to speak up. When you combine your love for your parent with a practical understanding of what they need, you give them the best possible chance at healing well.
