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People over the age of 65 are more likely to be
readmitted than younger patients, and readmission can be more serious for
seniors.
Readmission after an illness or injury is a serious health
issue for seniors. However, it is important for seniors and their loved ones to
remember that in many cases, readmission is avoidable and can be prevented with
a thoughtful post-hospital care plan.
Nearly one-fifth of all Medicare patients in the United
States who are discharged from the hospital end up returning within 30
days.
There are many reasons seniors may need to be readmitted to the hospital, but
healthcare agencies are focused on finding ways to reduce these numbers and
educate patients about how to have a healthier recovery at home.
For many seniors, this means having a quality caregiver that
can help them overcome some of the main preventable causes for returning to the
hospital. Consider the following:
Medication is critical: Some seniors need assistance
taking medication in the right amount on the correct schedule. When you
consider that, on average, seniors with chronic conditions fill 50
different prescriptions annually, it is not difficult to imagine how someone could
get confused when a new medication is added to their regimen. Caregivers can
not only remind seniors to take medications as prescribed, but they can also
help seniors keep a list of those medications and their dosages so the
information is readily available for healthcare professionals. Managing
medications is one of the best ways a caregiver can help seniors during their
recovery.
Follow up visits prevent readmission: A full
two-thirds of patients readmitted to the hospital would have avoided that trip
if they had seen their physicians within two weeks for follow up. The reasons
for not following up vary but can include transportation difficulties and
forgetting to make or keep appointments. Hospital staff can aid the senior by
setting up appointments for the individual before discharge, but getting to the
appointment can still be a challenge. In addition to a host of uplifting care services,
caregivers can provide transportation to appointments and keep track of any
post-care visits.
Discharge plans only work when implemented properly: Having
a discharge plan for the patient before he or she leaves the hospital can be
crucial for recovery, but it can be difficult for seniors and their family
members to focus on the plan during the stress of the illness and discharge.
Caregivers can help the senior follow the instructions and will connect with
family or other approved individuals when there are problems or change in
condition during recovery. They can also help explain the information or ensure
that the appropriate person is notified if the older individual has questions
about his or her course of treatment. This takes the stress off the family and
the patient so he or she can focus on recovery.
Having a helping hand during recovery can ensure positive
outcomes and a return to an active, engaged life. Family members, friends and
neighbors are often willing to serve as a post-hospital recovery caregiver, but
there is professional help available for those that don’t have someone nearby
to assist them. For long-term recovery, those who have the assistance of
friends and family can benefit from a professional caregiver to provide respite
care and support.
Comfort Keepers® Can Help
Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement,
support and assistance with daily living. And caregivers can encourage overall
health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and
activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and
wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the
joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.
To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your
local Comfort Keepers location today.
References
Relias. “What you need to know about readmission among
seniors.” Web. 2016.
American Hospital Association. “Examining the drivers of
readmissions and reducing unnecessary readmissions for better patient
care 2011 AHA Policy Research.” Web. 2011.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “Ten things you should know about care transitions.” Web. 2013.
Being a caregiver is a role that millions undertake out of love, dedication and necessity. Whether its an unpaid family caregiver or someone who has chosen a caregiving career, the role is critical to those who need help. Understanding some of the challenges caregivers face helps to appreciate their work. Emotional Weight - Caregivers often carry emotional burdens. They may experience feeling guilt, when they theyre not doing enough or when they take time for themselves. As a loved onesor a clientshealth fluctuates, the resulting emotional swings can cause stress and anxiety. Physical Toll - Physical demands of caregiving are often underestimated. Caregivers may do things like household tasks or keeping the care recipient comfortable. But if the care recipient has mobility issues, the caregiver may need to help them transfer from their bed to the toilet. Over time, these responsibilities can lead to physical strain and exhaustion. Financial Strain - Often caregivers provide care without pay, they will incur expenses related to the care of their loved ones - compounded if the caregiver has to reduce hours or even quit their job to provide care. Social Isolation - The time and energy demand often limit the caregivers ability to maintain social relationships, making them feel lonely and disconnected. Juggling Act - Many caregivers must balance the needs of the person theyre caring for, needs of the family while juggling employment. Recognition and Support - Caregiving is often not seen as real work, caregivers may struggle to find adequate resources, support and respite care. Right at Home of Mesa, Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties is here to help! Our trained caregivers can help with a range of services, from meal preparation and light housekeeping to assistance with hygiene and mobility. Editors Note: This article was submitted by David McKendry, President of Right at Home Grand Junction. He may be reached at 970-697-1331 or by email at David@gjhomecare.com. See ad on page
Caring for others is often driven by motivations of love and understanding. Its not uncommon for family caregivers to initially feel that their capacity for helping those they love is nearly limitless. From taking care of finances and managing medications to preparing meals and cleaning, theres certainly a sense of fulfillment that comes along with assisting a loved one. But many find themselves going through the motions of caring without taking time out to focus on their own needs often to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion. As a result, family caregivers may feel something theyve never experienced before: decreased empathy. This condition is known as compassion fatigue. In decades past, compassion fatigue was seen primarily in healthcare professionals but as the countrys aging population continues to grow, there are many family caregivers who are left feeling much the same way. In addition to the lower threshold of empathy, family caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue may feel the following: Exhaustion (physical and/or emotional) Feelings of dread or guilt Irritability, anxiety, or anger Difficulty sleeping Difficulty making decisions Feeling disconnected Trouble finding meaning in caregiving Self-isolation The worst symptom of compassion fatigue is denial because it prohibits family caregivers from examining the feelings associated with their caregiving situation. And if ignored for an extended period of time, family caregivers may begin to feel resentment toward their loved one, ultimately leading to a communication breakdown and strained relationship. Below are a few steps that family caregivers can take to combat compassion fatigue and get back to feeling positive about caring for their loved ones. Understand the common signs of compassion fatigue Practice a self-care of balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent sleep. Find time to spend with friends and maintain social connections. Find a caregiver support program, community or online. Document your thoughts and feelings in a journal. Choose healthy activities during your downtime, a hobby, walking, meditating. Engage a counselor or therapist. Learn more about respite care and senior care services by contacting a local Comfort Keepers office today. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers of Grand Junction. For more information she may be reached at 970-241-8818 or at: oralee@ckcolorado.com
Of the 32 counties we support in Colorado, 13 are located west of the Continental Divide and served by our phenomenal team in Grand Junction. Through mobile pantries and partnerships with more than 110 Hunger Relief Partners in this region, our team is able to meet the specific needs of these communities and bring food where it is needed most. Leveraging the power of community and through programs like Everyday Eats for Older Adults, Food for Kids, mobile pantries, and more, Food Bank of the Rockies provides food to 1 in 9 people facing hunger in Colorado, and 96% of funding from donations, grants, and federal allotments goes directly to our hunger-relief programs. Want to learn more about our programs? Need a referral to your local Hunger Relief Partner? Interested in volunteering or making a donation? We would love to hear from you! Editors Note: This article was submitted by Food Bank of the Rockies. For more information or to contact, please call 970-464-1138 or 877-953-3937 (toll-free).
With the use of CareLink MobileHelp, Comfort Keepers provides a simple solution to many accidents and medical emergencies. CareLink MobileHelp is a medicalalert system that works nationwide, beyond the home with all the same features as traditional in-home systems. CareLink MobileHelp keeps you connected to a live monitoring center regardless of your location. You can have the freedom to continue participating in the activities that you enjoy in and outside your home, knowing that you are always accompanied by a highly efficient medical alert system.
Why choose Comfort Keepers? Quick response to your needs, we answer our phone 24/7 by a staff member, national and current background check, personality and competency testing, on- going education, nurse oversight, telephony system that let us know your caregiver has arrived are just a few things we are invested in to provide you with the peace of mind that your loved one is well cared for. NEW!! Services to disabled Uranium miners, millers and haulers at no out of pocket cost. Medication management, Electronic monitoring and med dispensers are available.Comfort Keepers provides award-winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities. Our highly trained and dedicated caregivers can help your loved one stay in their home for as long as safely possiblea dream come true for many elders.As a leading provider of home care services, our expert caregivers provide customized care plans crafted to clients' individual recovery needs and daily living requirements throughout the Colorado Western Slope. These services focus on elevating the human spirit with meaningful companion care that accentuates independent living. The primary care services that our experienced caregivers - that we call Comfort Keepers - provide may include personal care, long-term care, 24/7 around-the-clock care, and companionship care. We help older adults of retirement age and beyond, as well as other adults, live an independent, quality life in the safety and comfort of their home. Family members do not need to consider assisted living facilities, independent living communities, or nursing homes, as their senior loved ones can receive the personal care they need at home.As a leading provider of non-medical home care services we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and individuals who need assistance with daily activities. Our mission is to provide compassionate, professional, and personalized care that allows our clients to maintain their independence and stay comfortably in their own homes.At Comfort Keepers, we understand the importance of home for our clients. Home is where they feel safe, secure, and comfortable. Thats why we offer a comprehensive range of non-medical home care services designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our services include personal care, companionship, housekeeping, and specialized care for individuals with Alzheimers and dementia.Our personal care services are tailored to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance. Our trained caregivers are dedicated to providing respectful and dignified care, ensuring that our clients feel comfortable and supported at all times. We understand that these tasks can be challenging for many seniors, and our goal is to make them as easy and stress-free as possible.Companionship is a cornerstone of our non-medical home care services. At Comfort Keepers in Grand Junction, we believe that social interaction and emotional support are vital to overall well-being. Our caregivers provide friendly and engaging companionship, whether its sharing a meal, playing a game, or simply having a meaningful conversation. This companionship helps combat loneliness and isolation, promoting mental and emotional health.Maintaining a clean and organized home environment is essential for the well-being of our clients. Our housekeeping services include light cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and other household chores. By taking care of these tasks, we allow our clients to focus on enjoying their time and maintaining their independence without the burden of household responsibilities.Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimers and dementia is another crucial aspect of our services. Our caregivers are trained to provide compassionate and patient care for clients with cognitive impairments. We use techniques and activities that are designed to stimulate memory and cognitive function, helping our clients to stay engaged and connected. Our approach to dementia care is personalized and flexible, adapting to the changing needs of each individual.Comfort Keepers in Grand Junction also offers respite care, providing family caregivers with a much-needed break. Caring for a loved one can be demanding, and its important for family caregivers to take time for themselves. Our respite care services allow family members to rest and recharge, knowing that their loved one is in capable and caring hands.Our commitment to quality care is evident in everything we do. We carefully select and train our caregivers to ensure they meet our high standards of professionalism and compassion. Each caregiver undergoes a thorough background check and receives ongoing training to stay current with the best practices in non-medical home care. We match our caregivers with clients based on their needs and preferences, fostering positive and lasting relationships.At Comfort Keepers, we believe in a holistic approach to care. This means addressing not just the physical needs of our clients, but also their emotional, social, and mental well-being. Our Interactive Caregiving philosophy is at the heart of our approach. This unique model encourages active participation from our clients in their own care, promoting independence and engagement. By involving clients in their care, we help them maintain a sense of purpose and control over their lives.Located in the vibrant community of Grand Junction, Comfort Keepers is proud to serve seniors and families throughout the area. Our local knowledge and community involvement enable us to provide care that is tailored to the specific needs of our clients. We work closely with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and families to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to care.Choosing the right non-medical home care provider is an important decision. At Comfort Keepers in Grand Junction, we are dedicated to making that choice easier by providing exceptional care and support. Our team is here to answer any questions, provide information, and help families navigate the process of arranging home care services. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our clients and their families.Discover the Comfort Keepers difference and contact us today to learn more about our services, schedule a free in-home consultation, and find out how we can help you or your loved one live a more comfortable, independent, and fulfilling life at home.Contact us through one of our offices in Delta/Montrose at 970-240-4121 or our main office in Grand Junction at 970-241-8818
With the use of CareLink MobileHelp, Comfort Keepers provides a simple solution to many accidents and medical emergencies. CareLink MobileHelp is a medicalalert system that works nationwide, beyond the home with all the same features as traditional in-home systems. CareLink MobileHelp keeps you connected to a live monitoring center regardless of your location. You can have the freedom to continue participating in the activities that you enjoy in and outside your home, knowing that you are always accompanied by a highly efficient medical alert system.