48/5: Improving Outcomes for Hospitalized Older Adults

One approach that has helped frail older adults maintain their function during a hospital stay is called 48/5. This approach addresses five key areas within 48 hours of hospital admission: cognition, medications, nutrition, elimination and mobility. Individualized care plans are designed to restore functional independence in older adults during acute illness. This approach has been successful in supporting a sustained return to the patient’s functional baseline at discharge.