What's next for Hospital at Home Programs in the United States: A clarion call for permanent, person‐centered solutions

Abstract

Even with high-quality care, the hospital can be a dangerous place for older adults. Iatrogenesis, including delirium, infection, and loss of function are widespread and can have long-lasting effects that extend far beyond the initial hospitalization. 1,2 Moreover when thinking through the lens of person-centered care (PCC), few things in the hospital center around patient and family wishes; for instance, being tethered to intravenous lines and instructed not to ambulate without help; vital signs and medications scheduled at late hours preventing healthy sleep and recovery from illness; wearing dehumanizing hospital gowns; and limiting of visitors, all in an unfamiliar, institutional environment.This editorial comments on the article by Gorbenko et al. in this issue.