Renovated services to better care for the elderly at the Nivelles hospital

A small feat at a time when other hospitals are closing places, in particular due to lack of staff.

Growing demand due to aging population

The entire plateau has been renovated – the old maternity ward has been converted – to better meet needs. The rooms have been modernized, the flooring replaced, the bathrooms are designed to limit the risk of falls for seniors and provide better comfort, a room is dedicated to physiotherapy, another to occupational therapy… A room versatile can also accommodate families.

One of the characteristics of geriatrics is the work in a versatile team, to deal comprehensively with all the problems that the elderly may experience. It is aimed, with some nuances related in particular to the condition of the patients, to people aged 75 and over. These are subject to specific risks: falls, degenerative diseases, undernutrition, a deterioration in general condition, the causes of which should be identified, etc.

“The hospital must adapt to the needs of the elderly, and not the other way around”

Due to the phenomenon of the aging of the population, the demand is constantly growing.

It also happens regularly that the emergencies of other hospitals, knowing the capacities and the desire to be at the forefront in the field of geriatrics in Nivelles, telephone to find out if they can transfer one of their patients to aclot land. . Which is unfortunately not always possible: very often, and this was also the case during the inauguration on Thursday evening, the service is complete.

Alongside the two existing units, the third which has just opened will be dedicated to onco-geriatrics, the specialty of Dr Nathalie Denewet, one of the three geriatricians in the service. “The project is to develop a care pathway for elderly people with cancer”she summarizes.

The development of the service, with work whose total cost is around 1.4 million euros, also makes it possible to tackle new projects. In particular, a day hospital prevention program via physical activity, the benefits of which are well established, a memory clinic, physiotherapy, etc. We could, for example, put seniors followed in the context of health care in better shape. other treatment, or before scheduled surgery.

“The day hospital has a place in prevention, explains the head of department, Dr. Sandra Higuet. With the aging of the population, the loss of autonomy, chronic illnesses, needs have changed. The hospital must adapt to the needs of the elderly, and not the other way around.”