Managing Risks of Hospitalization in Older Adults

Course overview

By 2034, an estimated 77 million people will be 65 years of age or older compared to 76.5 million under the age of 18 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). By 2060, the median age is expected to increase from 38 to 43 years old. As a result, nurses will care for an increasing percentage of hospitalized older adults. Hospitalization for older adults poses unique hazards, including an increased risk for adverse events, such as falls, infections, and delirium, as well as a decline in functional ability. Those who care for hospitalized older adults should know how to protect them from adverse events and how to maintain and maximize each patients functional status. This course presents general and targeted strategies to improve care for hospitalized older adults. The goal of this course is to inform nurses about the risks for hospitalized older adults and the role of the healthcare team in mitigating those risks.