Hospital readmissions can cause new health issues for seniors and financial hardships for families. Most hospitals have programs in place to lower the risk of readmissions, but they still occur in large numbers. Here are some common factors that increase hospital readmission risk.
1. Multiple Prescription Medications
Medication side effects and drug interactions can cause heart issues, abnormal blood glucose levels, dehydration, muscle pain, vision impairment, and dizziness. If your aging loved one takes multiple medications, talk to the doctor about reviewing the necessity for each medication. Once your loved one no longer has to take certain medications, the risk of hospital readmission may decrease.
2. Physical & Psychological Disabilities
The higher risk of hospital readmissions due to physical and psychological disabilities may be related to accidents or injuries that occur in the home as a result of mobility impairment, decreased muscle strength, or confusion.
Senior Care Green Valley 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. Frequent Emergency Room Visits
Seniors who have chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and mood disorders, may visit the emergency room more frequently. These health conditions also raise the risk of hospital readmissions. Other people who frequent emergency rooms include those with substance abuse problems, cancer, and kidney disease.
4. Advanced Age
Advanced age is linked to comorbid illnesses, the need for multiple medications, physical mobility issues, cognitive deficits, and vision impairment. These factors contribute to accidents and falls in the home, adverse reactions to prescription drugs, cardiovascular events, and strokes. Elderly people with the aforementioned risk factors may fare better with 24-hour in-home caregivers.
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 Green Valley AZ, 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. Poverty
People living in poverty may not have the financial means to take care of themselves or receive regular medical care, and they may end up back in the hospital soon after they’ve been discharged. People who are financially insecure may not have health insurance, be able to fill their prescriptions or purchase healthy food items, or have enough money to keep their utilities turned on. If your loved one has financial difficulties, contact a hospital social worker, who can direct you to a social services agency in your area.
6. COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a severe lung disease that causes difficulty breathing, thick mucus that’s difficult to expel, and frequent infections. If your loved one has COPD, he or she may also have severe anxiety because of breathing problems and may experience frequent panic attacks requiring readmission to the hospital. Aging adults who have COPD need to take all their prescribed medications, eat well-balanced meals, and drink plenty of water to thin mucus so it can be easily expelled.
Many aging adults need assistance when they return home after being hospitalized. When searching for reliable Green Valley senior care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Embrace In-Home Care, 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. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (520) 625-2050 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.