The senior population has long been at higher risk for hospital readmissions due to the health issues that occur with age. Today, hospitals frequently publish their readmission rates in the interest of providing transparency that motivates medical professionals to keep them low. You can also reduce the rates by focusing on avoiding these common risk factors that can lead to your loved one having to return to the hospital.
1. Early Discharge
Hospitals are sometimes under pressure to open up beds and make insurance companies happy. They may also feel individuals want to go home sooner. Always start by asking the medical team if they’re giving your loved one an early discharge. If you don’t have adequate support set up for your loved one’s return home, be honest and ask if it’s okay to extend your loved one’s stay if it’s financially feasible. Often, just a few extra hours or a day is all it takes to set up home care services that help your loved one’s recovery.
When searching for reliable in-home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.
2. Difficulty Understanding Discharge Instructions
Medical language is sometimes confusing. It’s also possible that families may receive contradictory instructions from different medical providers. For instance, one doctor may say your loved one should get up and move around as soon as possible, and another one might say he or she should stay in bed. Make sure to repeat instructions back to the medical team, and ask questions if any seem to be in conflict with what was previously said.
3. Low Engagement
Seniors are sometimes just not motivated to care about their recovery. Your loved one may be depressed after receiving a serious diagnosis or be unable to fully comply with the instructions. Seniors with depression need help after hospital discharge to care for their emotional and physical needs at home. Sometimes, just having someone at home to lift their spirits is all it takes to get them more engaged in their care.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Jefferson County senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
4. Missed Follow-Up Appointments
Many people are given strict orders to avoid driving shortly after they get home. Your loved one may not be able to drive due to a new health issue or the medications he or she takes. Give your loved one help finding a reliable source of transportation to medical appointments so he or she isn’t tempted to skip them.
5. Nonexistent or Low-Quality Care at Home
A senior who goes home to an empty house has a greater risk of being readmitted to the hospital for a secondary infection or injury. Your loved one needs assistance with things such as meal prep and getting used to the new care routine when first returning home. Provide home care that addresses each challenge your loved one encounters during recovery so he or she doesn’t experience an issue that makes him or her return to the hospital.
Many aging adults need assistance when they return home after being hospitalized. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Jefferson County, CO, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. If your loved one needs professional home care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (303) 987-5992 today.