## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Our Care Programs](/living-with-parkinsons/care-programs) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Our Care Programs](/living-with-parkinsons/care-programs) # Hospitalization ## 💡 Quick Summary - People with Parkinson’s are at higher risk in hospitals and are more likely to experience longer hospital stays. - People with PD may experience worsening symptoms due to stress, infection or medication changes. - Delayed or missed PD [medications](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications "Prescription Medications"), limited movement and unsafe prescriptions can trigger a “Symptom Spiral” leading to complications. - Awareness, preparation and advocating for proper care help reduce risks and improve [hospital safety](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide "Hospital Safety Guide") and outcomes. ![Hospitalization](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/hospitalization.jpg?itok=OXbs1ScN) Why is hospital safety important for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD)? People with Parkinson’s are at a higher risk of hospitalization and face many challenges while in the hospital. It is important for all people with Parkinson’s to be aware of the risks, prepare ahead of time and know how to advocate for their needs while in the hospital. ![The importance of hospital safety for people with PD graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/Importance-Hospital-Safety-Graphic.png?itok=qzVvrYfn) This often contributes to “The Symptom Spiral” ### The Symptom Spiral For most people, being in the hospital is a stressful experience. People are usually sick or experiencing some kind of health crisis. For people with PD, symptoms may get worse, and new symptoms, like confusion or thinking changes, can develop because of stress, infection, fatigue, sleep disturbances, surgery or new medications. Already a delicate balance, PD symptom management can be even trickier in the hospital because of the following: - People often do not get enough movement opportunities. - Parkinson’s medications may not be given following the at-home schedule. - Medications that worsen PD are sometimes prescribed. - Medication doses are often delayed or missed. ![Symptom Spiral Infographic](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Symptom-Spiral-graphic-2025.png?itok=1H7NDMvI) These issues can lead to additional complications and set up a vicious cycle that puts you at risk for falls, swallowing changes, muscle deterioration, medication side effects, mental and physical decline or decreased independence. This is known as “The Symptom Spiral.” - ### Improving Hospital Care The **Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Care Initiative** aims to ensure that all people with Parkinson’s can trust that the hospital care they receive is of the highest quality. The initiative’s goal is to ensure people with PD are heard, valued and respected as partners in their own care. This initiative addresses issues many people with PD face in the hospital, as well as the lack of substantial training and meaningful information about Parkinson’s in most medical education programs. The Hospital Care Initiative leverages all Parkinson’s Foundation programs, incorporating professional education, research and clinical care. - ### Help People with Parkinson’s Get Better Care As part of the Parkinson’s community, advocating for yourself or your loved one with PD in the hospital is critical. The [Hospital Safety Guide](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide "Hospital Safety Guide") was designed to help you do just that. Once you have read and prepared your guide, here are other things you can do to help advocate for better Parkinson’s care in the hospital. - Bring your Hospital Safety Guide to your next neurology appointment and ask your neurologist to share the guide with their other PD patients. - Become a **[Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador](/how-to-help/volunteer "Volunteer")**, a volunteer trained to educate their community about Parkinson’s disease and our life-saving resources including the Hospital Safety Guide. - Share our **[Substantial Matters podcast interview with Rose](/library/podcast/107 "Episode 107: Advocating for a Safe Hospitalization")** about how she utilized hospital safety tools to inform and educate the hospital staff caring for her husband when he broke his hip. - Encourage healthcare professionals in your life to visit **[Parkinson.org/HospitalCare](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/professionals/quality-care-initiatives#hospital)** to learn more. ![terri_weymouth](/sites/default/files/styles/535x680/public/images/terri_weymouth.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=jK2aM8qi) MY PD STORY: Terri Weymouth Terri Weymouth, an Ambassador in Indiana, was admitted to the hospital three times between 2014 and 2019. Each time she had problems getting her medication on time. [ READ Terri's STORY ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/terri-weymouth) If you would like to share how Parkinson’s has affected your life (as someone living with PD, a care partner or family member) in the hospital, [**submit a My PD Story today**](/living-with-parkinsons/my-pd-story/submit "Submit Your Story"). ## Related Materials Videos & Webinars ### [ Expert Briefing: Advanced Parkinson's and Palliative Care in the 21st Century ](/library/videos/palliative-care) [Watch Now](/library/videos/palliative-care) Fact Sheets ### [ Parkinson's Hospital Care Infographic ](/library/fact-sheets/hospital-care) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/hospital-care) Podcasts ### [ Episode 107: Advocating for a Safe Hospitalization ](/library/podcast/107) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/107) ## Related Blog Posts ![nurse with patient](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/staysafeduringhospitalization-blog.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=kn1Juwqk) Tips for Daily Living ### [ How To Stay Safe During a Hospitalization with Parkinson’s ](/blog/tips/hospitalization) READ NOW ![William Dauer headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/williamdauer-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=w93XP9oU) Advancing Research ### [ How a Doctor is Removing Barriers Between Clinical Care and Research ](/blog/research/clinical-care) READ NOW ![2 nurses having a conversation by elevator](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/HospitalizationTips-Blog.jpg?h=96cf6b5f&itok=bLIEuojC) Tips for Daily Living ### [ COVID-19 and Parkinson’s Hospitalization Tips: Discussing Advanced Directives ](/blog/tips/advanced-directives) READ NOW ### Order a Parkinson’s Hospital Safety Guide The Hospital Safety Guide is a resource for people with Parkinson's and their care partners filled with useful tools and information to prepare for and navigate a hospital stay. [ORDER NOW](/resources-support/pd-library/order-publications) [LEARN MORE](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn