In-Home Care Can Help Reduce Hospital Readmission
Comfort Keepers
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Comfort Keepers
Sep 30, 2024
Colorado - Western Slope
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.
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