Avoid the Hospital's Revolving Door

If you're over the age of 65 and you are discharged from the hospital, there is a 1 in 5 chance that you will be back in the hospital in the next 30 days.

Going to the hospital is an intense experience. Older adults are especially vulnerable to problems that arise from hospitalization. They see more health care providers, have more complicated chronic health conditions, take more medications, and are more likely to experience cognitive decline.

Hospitals navigate many obstacles to make successful discharges and transition each patient's care to the next provider. It helps to understand those obstacles within the healthcare system, but also to know how you can be an effective advocate for yourself or your family member.

Dr. Nicole Osevala, the Chief of Geriatric Medicine at the Penn State College of Medicine and the Hershey Medical Center, explains in this episode the elements of a safe care transition from the hospital.

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