No doubt few of us like to think about being admitted to a hospital. But in today’s environment, when the health of potentially thousands of older adults is at risk, it’s important to consider what a hospitalization can do to an older patient, even one in relatively good health prior to admission. There’s plenty of evidence that hospitalizations can expose older adults to significant bacterial infections and can also heighten the risk of cognitive decline and disorientation. And now there’s a new study out of Yale University that documents the potential for substantial new disabilities that could develop in patients during their hospitalizations. The study showed that even among patients who were not severely ill during their hospital stays, they nonetheless left the hospital in a debilitated condition that impaired their ability to be independent once they returned home.

Published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, this new study found that older adults (the average age of the study participant was 83) may be left with several new disabilities post-hospitalization, making it hard for them to bathe, dress, shop, prepare meals or even get out of a chair. These new disabilities, sometimes lasting more than 6 months, may limit the ability of older adults to care for themselves many months following their hospital admission. So it’s important for patients and their families to be aware that new disabilities and dependence may follow even a successful hospitalization. And it certainly gives one pause to then think about tens of thousands of older adults potentially needing hospital care during the Coronavirus outbreak, not to mention the potential impact on the hospital systems themselves.

And while few people plan to go to a hospital unless they are considering an elective procedure, there’s wise advice out there for those who may be at risk for hospitalization. When in doubt, pack a go-to bag, just in case. A recent post from the Wirecutter section of the New York Times provides essential advice about what needs to be in your just-in-case bag. Everything from your own pillow to layers of comfy clothing to whatever aids will help you sleep are included in this valuable post. And with advice to include multiple copies of essential documents, a list of your medications, as well as entertainment items (and their chargers), you’ll be sure to have a better hospital experience with this list. So grab your bag, throw in your disinfecting wipes and read more here.