Department of Health

Applying a person centred approach to clinical handover plays a critical role in preventing functional decline in older people in hospital.

To prevent harm or decline include strategies to optimise mobility, self-care, nutrition and hydration, orientation and independence with continence, at each handover.

Explaining these strategies to each of our patients and their families and carers encourages them to become involved in preventing their decline in hospital.

The accompanying case study highlights some of these strategies and can be read in conjunction with each of the clinical topics.

Reviewed 04 October 2015

Health.vic

Contact details

Older People in Hospital Department of Health

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