The Importance of Home Healthcare for Discharge and Beyond
Strong and independent: we strive as individuals to be both. However, for many of us, there eventually comes a time when we are no longer able to care for ourselves. For senior patients, recognizing this change can be challenging. The desire to continue living independently can blind older adults to the potential health and safety risks associated with living alone.
Nearly 17% of U.S. seniors over the age of 65 are hospitalized each year according to CDC data, and more than one in 20 older adults are hospitalized two times or more annually. For those who are independent enough to be discharged back to their home environment, home health care is an integral part of reducing the chance of readmission. Oasis Senior Advisors is proud to partner with many home health agencies and other providers for seniors in transition between care settings.
The Role of Home Health Care in the Discharge Process:
Over the last quarter century, the average U.S. hospital stay has decreased by more than 1.5 days, which means that patients are now more responsible for their continued recovery at home. While discharge planners release their patients armed with knowledge and materials to care for themselves, nearly one in five seniors who are discharged from a hospital are readmitted within a month, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
While some readmissions are unavoidable, many are preventable. Some of the most common root causes of readmission are a failure to follow the prescribed medication regimen, resistance to seeing a physician within 7-10 days of discharge, as well as fall-related injuries. A home health care professional can assist with each of these challenges. Among their many responsibilities, home health care providers coordinate care between patients and their physicians, manage medications, monitor diet, activity and vital signs, and ensure a safer environment. Home health can also include occupational and physical therapy for strengthening and recovery.
“Frequent Flyers” and Home Health Care: A Case Study
Mr. and Mrs. D were known as “frequent flyers” at their local emergency department because of their repeated hospital readmissions. The couple, both in their 90s, had lived on their own for 70 years, but had each been in the hospital two to three times each in just the past year, followed each time by month-long stints in rehab.
It was clear that the pair would need a transition in care, and during Mrs. D’s most recent trip to a physical rehab center, the facility contacted Oasis Senior Advisors to manage the transition process. When the Oasis Advisor began working with Mrs. D, she discovered that the elderly husband was at home alone, desperately in need of assistance. Using her vast knowledge of local senior resources, the Oasis Advisor found a home health care agency that could begin providing services the very next day. When the home health caregiver arrived, she found him on the floor, injured, dehydrated, and near death. He was immediately taken to the hospital and the couple were able to celebrate their 71st anniversary together at the same rehab facility.
Mr. and Mrs. D already had challenges when trying to care for one another– but those challenges became insurmountable when one of them was no longer in the home. Home health care providers can reduce those challenges, circumvent readmissions, and reduce the “frequent flyer” phenomenon among elderly patients.
Home Health Care and Seniors
Thousands, perhaps millions, of seniors across the country are in the same situation Mr. and Mrs. D were facing. They value their independence and believe they can still care for themselves. While many older adults can live on their own well into their 90s or even longer, the ability to remain independent varies greatly among seniors.
Home health care can be an important stopgap, not only for those who need care transitions after an injury or illness, but also for those who are not yet ready to move into an assisted living community or other senior care environment. According to the CDC, 4.5 million Americans received home health care in 2015 (the last year for which this data is available). While not all of these people are elders, the statistics of seniors requiring in-home care is only projected to rise.
Whether a senior needs a temporary care transition or assistance finding an appropriate senior living community, Oasis Senior Advisors work tirelessly to find the best fit for each senior in need of care. Oasis’ network of trusted partners includes home health and non-clinical home care providers, occupational and physical therapists, and others who can provide assistance in a time of need.
With the help of Oasis, Mr. and Mrs. D were able to get the assistance that they required. Every year, Oasis Senior Advisors connect thousands of older adults across the nation with the care and senior living solutions that they need. If you have a senior patient who is in need of assistance from Oasis, please contact your local advisor today by completing our referral for or by calling (888) 455-5838. Assistance from Oasis Senior Advisors is always free to seniors and their families.
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Bathrooms are among the most hazardous spaces in the home for older adults. According to data cited by BrightStar Care, each year many seniors are injured in their bathroomsespecially from falls, slips or scalds. Here are 10 practical steps you can take to make a bathroom safer, reduce risk and promote independence:1. Install Secure Grab BarsMount bolt-on grab bars in and around the tub/shower area and near the toilet. These give older adults something sturdy to hold onto when standing, sitting or entering/exiting the shower. 2. Use Non-Slip Mats or FlooringWet bathroom floors and slick shower/tub surfaces are major causes of falls. Use rubber-backed mats, non-slip decals or textured tiles to increase traction. 3. Keep the Floor Clean, Dry & ClearEven with traction enhancements, a floor with puddles, soap residue or clutter is risky. Wipe up water immediately, remove obstacles and keep the path clear to reduce fall-risk. 4. Ensure Proper LightingGood visibility mattersespecially for seniors whose vision or mobility may be changing. Use bright, consistent lighting and consider night-lights for late-night trips to the bathroom. 5. Raise the Toilet Seat if NeededFor someone with limited leg strength or joint pain, a raised toilet seat (and possibly one with arm supports) can make sitting and standing significantly safer. 6. Keep Frequently Used Items Within Easy ReachAvoid the need to stretch, bend or lean over to reach toiletries, towels, etc. Placing items at accessible height reduces the chance of imbalance or fall. 7. Use a Shower Chair or BenchStanding in a wet shower can be challenging. A sturdy shower chair or bench allows someone to sit while washing, reducing fatigue and risk of falling. 8. Consider a Walk-In Tub or Curbless ShowerTraditional tubs often require stepping over a high edgea hazardous maneuver. Walk-in tubs or curbless showers allow safer entry/exit and are especially useful for those with mobility limitations. 9. Prevent Scalds & Manage Water TemperatureSeniors may have less sensitive skin and slower reflexes, making them more vulnerable to burns. Set water heater temperature to safe levels (e.g., '120 F), install anti-scald devices and clearly mark hot/cold controls.10. Use an Emergency Alert or Medical DeviceEven with precautions, accidents can happen. A waterproof medical alert device (bracelet/necklace) or a reachable emergency button in the bathroom provides peace of mind and quicker response if a fall occurs.Why It Matters for Seniors & Their Caregivers Falls in bathrooms often lead to serious injuries for older adultsfractures, head injuries or hospitalizations. Making thoughtful changes improves both safety and independencehelping seniors feel more confident in their homes. For caregivers, these changes reduce stress and create a smoother environment for daily routines. Practical Next Steps Start with a safety audit of the bathroom: look for slick floors, lighting issues, reach-challenges, or areas where support is needed. Prioritize one or two improvements you can implement right away (e.g., non-slip mat, grab bar). Then plan for larger changes if needed (e.g., walk-in shower). Consider professional help: a home-safety specialist or occupational therapist can assess specific needs, especially if mobility is declining. Engage your loved one in the processask what feels difficult or unsafe to them, and tailor changes to their comfort and routines. By applying these ten tips, you can significantly improve safety in one of the most critical rooms of the home. Its not just about avoiding accidentsits about preserving dignity, independence and peace of mind. For more information contact 651-272-1592.
Skilled Nursing in Denver: How Advanced Health Care of Aurora Helps Seniors Recover with Confidence
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Individualized Recovery ProgramsNo two recovery journeys are the same. Care plans are customized based on diagnosis, mobility level, goals, and physician recommendations.3. Rehabilitation OnsiteComprehensive therapy services include: Physical therapy Occupational therapy Speech therapy Balance and mobility training Strength-building exercises 4. Private Suites for ComfortResidents enjoy private suites, many equipped with: Individual climate control Flat-screen TVs Personal bathrooms Comfortable furnishings The peaceful environment supports rest, which is a crucial factor in healing.A Holistic, Person-First Care ModelSkilled Nursing care is most effective when it treats the whole person not just the condition. 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With its welcoming environment, advanced clinical services, and deeply compassionate team, Advanced Health Care of Aurora offers the support seniors and families need during a vulnerable time.To learn more, explore services, or arrange a consultation, visit their Seniors Blue Book listing. Let Advanced Health Care of Aurora help your loved one recover with confidence, comfort, and exceptional skilled nursing care.
Supporting Independence with Heart: How Ace Home Healthcare Denver Helps Seniors Thrive with Non-Medical Care
Aging in place has become one of the most important priorities for older adults across Denver, Colorado. Seniors want to remain in the comfort of their own homes surrounded by familiar routines, memories, and the independence theyve built over a lifetime. For many families, finding the right support to make that possible can feel overwhelming. Thats where Ace Home Healthcare Denver steps in.With a focus on compassionate non-medical care, Ace Home Healthcare is dedicated to helping Denver seniors live safely and comfortably at home while giving families the peace of mind they deserve.Denvers Growing Senior Community: Why Non-Medical Care MattersDenvers senior population continues to grow steadily. 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Aldo Wrves, Ace Home Healthcare Team Supporting Family Caregivers with Relief and ReassuranceFamily members often step in as primary caregivers, but it can be an emotional and physical strain especially when balancing jobs, children, and other responsibilities. Ace Home Healthcare provides respite care and ongoing support, giving family caregivers much-needed rest.With Ace Home Healthcare, families can: Avoid caregiver burnout Keep their loved one safe at home Stay connected through regular updates Focus on quality timenot exhausting tasks This support becomes especially helpful during transitions such as hospital discharge, recovery from illness, or changes in mobility.Non-Medical Care in Denver: A Community-Centered ApproachDenvers neighborhoods from Washington Park to Green Valley Ranch to Cherry Creek offer strong community resources for older adults. Ace Home Healthcares local caregivers often help seniors participate in community activities and stay connected to Denvers active senior culture.Examples include: Visits to local senior centers Assistance attending fitness classes or walking groups Transportation to community events Support navigating public transit or rideshare programs These community connections help seniors remain engaged and independent.How Ace Home Healthcare Delivers Safe, Reliable ServiceSafety is the foundation of Aces non-medical care. Their caregivers receive training in mobility assistance, emergency awareness, and best practices for supporting seniors with cognitive changes or physical limitations.Families appreciate: Background-checked, trained caregivers Reliable scheduling Responsive communication Care that adapts as needs change This flexible, safety-focused approach helps seniors age in place confidently.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)1. What qualifies as non-medical home care?Non-medical home care includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, meal preparation, housekeeping, companionship, and transportation. It does not include clinical or nursing services.2. Is non-medical home care suitable for seniors with mobility challenges?Absolutely. Caregivers can assist with walking, transfers, and safe movement around the home to help prevent falls and promote independence.3. Does Ace Home Healthcare help with personal hygiene?Yes. Caregivers can support bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting always with professionalism and respect.4. Can non-medical care help seniors with dementia?Yes. Consistent routines, supervision, and companionship can reduce anxiety and help maintain a sense of familiarity for seniors living with dementia or Alzheimers disease.5. How quickly can services begin with Ace Home Healthcare?Depending on availability and the level of care needed, services can often begin within days sometimes even sooner.Connect with Ace Home Healthcare Denver TodayChoosing non-medical care is one of the most loving ways to support an aging family member. With Ace Home Healthcares compassionate approach, Denver seniors can maintain independence, dignity, and comfort right at home.To learn more or request a personalized care consultation, visit their Seniors Blue Book listing Let Ace Home Healthcare Denver be your trusted partner in supporting your loved ones well-being and independence.