Hospital readmission rates are high among the elderly. Oftentimes, seniors are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge for the same conditions they were initially hospitalized for. Learn why readmission is common among seniors as well as what caregivers can do to help.
1. Dementia
Seniors with dementia are at especially high risk for hospital readmission because they frequently experience fall-related incidents, which can land them in the hospital. To prevent seniors with dementia from returning to the hospital, caregivers should understand all discharge instructions at the time of their loved ones’ release. Caregivers should know what elements of the recovery process are normal and what elements are reasons for concern, and they should also implement safety measures at home to ensure their loved ones don’t injure themselves while recovering.
Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Green Valley families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
2. Cardiovascular Events
Heart failure is another common reason for hospital readmission. After a senior develops chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or heart failure, he or she may wind up back in the hospital within a month. Sometimes readmission following a cardiovascular event occurs because the senior wasn’t able to comply with the prescribed post-hospital treatment plan, which often includes prescriptions, follow-up appointments, and self-monitoring. To minimize the chances of relapse after cardiovascular events, seniors need frequent checkups to monitor their progress. Medications can mitigate these issues, as can lifestyle changes like following a nutritious diet.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a home care service agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
3. Post-Op Complications
Seniors sometimes have difficulty recovering after surgical procedures, and they may experience unusual pain, infections, or bleeding. While caregivers can’t always prevent post-op issues, they can minimize the chances of complications after surgery by following the discharge instructions to the letter. If there are medical post-op care procedures family caregivers aren’t equipped to tackle, they may want to consider hiring professional in-home caregivers for the duration of the recovery process.
4. Asthma
Respiratory issues such as asthma are common causes of senior hospital readmissions. To effectively reduce the chances of readmission, caregivers should implement multifaceted self-management plans. First, they should schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor their loved ones’ health. Second, they should understand their loved ones’ asthma triggers. Third, they should have their loved ones’ medications on hand at all times.
5. Injury
Fall-related injuries are a major concern for every senior. A broken leg or hip can impact mobility for the rest of an older adult’s life. After being released from the hospital following injuries, seniors often have difficulty managing the activities of daily living, which is known as ADL disability, and it can take a major toll on their quality of life. When seniors exhibit ADL disability following injuries, caregivers should take safety measures to prevent additional injuries, organize their loved ones’ homes for ease of use, and help with tasks they cannot perform on their own.
Safety is one of the most important concerns for an elderly loved one aging in place. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Green Valley senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Embrace In-Home Care is here to help. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your parent, give us a call at (520) 625-2050 today.