Hospital readmissions are often preventable. Your senior loved one may have risk factors you can address to keep him or her out of the hospital after returning home. Make sure to watch out for these common causes of readmission to the hospital so your loved one can continue to recover where he or she feels the most comfortable.
A History of Prior Health Problems
People who have certain health conditions are more likely to return to the hospital. For instance, seniors with lung disease are at a greater risk for developing infections such as pneumonia after they’re discharged. Heart disease and diabetes can interfere with circulation, which places your loved one at a greater risk of complications, such as a poorly healing wound. Make sure someone is available to monitor your loved one’s health after he or she gets home. Keeping preexisting health issues under control prevents complications.
A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable homecare 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.
Memory Loss or Dementia
Medication mishaps are another common cause of readmissions, and they’re more likely to occur when someone already has memory loss or dementia. If your loved one has difficulty remembering to take medication, help by setting up a medication management plan. This plan should include you or another caregiver checking in on the dosage schedule every day.
Mobility Challenges
Many seniors encounter new mobility challenges after they leave the hospital. While these challenges may be temporary, they can lead to serious injuries. Your loved one may fall and sustain an injury if he or she has stiff or weakened muscles. Medication side effects can also contribute to a higher fall risk. Provide your loved one with a mobility device, such as a walker, he or she can use to steady him or herself while walking around. A professional caregiver can also provide support with getting out of bed or using stairs until your loved one is steady on his or her feet.
Difficulty Attending Follow-Up Appointments
A hospital discharge means your loved one gets to go home, but many seniors still have a long way to go before they fully recover after leaving the hospital. Most seniors have follow-up appointments and therapy sessions they must attend during their recovery. Being unable to drive could cause your loved one to skip these appointments. Missed appointments further increase the risk of a hospital readmission because the early warning signs of a complication may not be noticed until they’re severe. Arrange for transportation to these appointments so your loved one doesn’t have a delay in care.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Roseville homecare 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.
A Lack of Help at Home
Many things must be done around the house to help seniors stay comfortable. Once your loved one returns home, he or she may need help making meals and doing basic housekeeping tasks. Seniors sometimes get hurt trying to do these things themselves, or they become too exhausted for their bodies to heal properly. If your loved one has been on the fence about home care, now is the time to set it up. Having a caregiver help out with these essential daily tasks allows your loved one to focus on healing instead of cleaning.
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 Roseville, CA, 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 you need professional home care for your aging loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (916) 226-3737.