The first month following a hospital discharge is crucial because this is when many seniors restore the skills they lost and prevent health conditions from worsening. Therefore, family caregivers need to develop proper care plans to transition their aging loved ones from the hospital to their homes. Effective strategies can prevent some of the top readmission factors mentioned below and boost your parent’s wellbeing.
1. Unclear Communication
The representatives at the hospital are there to ensure your loved one’s release is done correctly. It will help if you ask them as many questions as necessary to prevent readmission and speed up the recovery process. There are no incorrect questions, so communicate with the medical staff at all times. Clear communication helps you understand the condition and treatment plan.
2. Failure to Follow Up
When seniors are discharged, it’s vital to schedule follow-up appointments with their primary care physicians within the first seven days of release. The doctor may require your loved one to see a specialist, depending on the condition, injury, or incident that required treatment and resulted in the initial hospital admission. If your loved one needs transportation to the doctor or other assistance, take time off to drive him or her or find someone who can. Following up can reduce the risk of hospital readmission within the first 30 days.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Montgomery home care service 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.
3. Bad Medication Habits
Prescriptions work best when they’re appropriately taken. It will help if you incorporate medication management strategies into your parent’s care, which may include using prescription pillboxes and medication management apps as well as tracking his or her response to the medicines. Even if your loved one feels good after a week of taking prescriptions, he or she must finish the medications as required to lower the risk of readmission within the first 30 days.
4. Environmental Factors
Your loved one’s home should be customized to his or her needs. For instance, if your parent is recovering from knee replacement surgery, the home should accommodate mobility limitations during the recovery process. You may need to move your loved one’s bedroom to the bottom floor, preventing him or her from going up and down the stairs more than necessary during the first 30 days after discharge. Speak with your loved one’s doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to determine what changes should be made to the home before your loved one is released.
A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one’s safety and comfort at home. 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 Montgomery, AL, 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.
5. Lack of Physical Activity
Heart attacks and heart failure are the most common causes of 30-day readmissions among older adults. Incorporate healthy habits, including regular exercise, into your loved one’s life. Working out can prevent blood clots, lower anxiety levels, and keep him or her mentally and physically sharp. Base the practices on your loved one’s physical and cognitive abilities and adjust the routine as necessary.
6. Lack of Help at Home
Speak with your family members about using respite care services. If your loved one’s insurance doesn’t cover the costs of the services, you and your siblings could step up and help out or see what resources your parent qualifies for based on his or her age and finances. The extra help can make daily life less stressful for your loved one and enhance his or her quality of life.
Many aging adults need assistance when they return home after being hospitalized. When searching for reliable 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. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.