As part of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the federal government developed the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. Since the program’s implementation, readmissions have been reduced. Experts believe these rates can continue to decrease by finding solutions to common reasons for hospital readmissions, such as those listed below. 1. Premature Hospital Discharge When seniors are released from the hospital prematurely, their…
In-home respite care is more than temporary relief for families. It’s also a source of companionship and skilled care for older adults. However, you may be wondering if there are any drawbacks to respite care. Having a professional caregiver come into the home can give family caregivers time off without compromising their aging loved one’s safety, which is why respite…
If your senior loved one has a stroke, it’s reasonable to expect that his or her cognitive abilities will change. For the most part, reasoning and memory skills get better over time, but it does take work to regain these abilities. The following cognitive exercises can be done at home to help your loved one supplement his or her prescribed…
If you take care of a senior loved one with Parkinson’s disease, you’ll likely run into at least a few challenges in the coming years. Seniors who have Parkinson’s often experience many different symptoms, and you’ll need to have a solid care plan in place if you want to take those issues in stride. Here are a few simple and…
Statistics indicate 20 to 30 percent of elderly people who’ve been hospitalized return to the hospital within a year after being discharged. Each new hospital stay can be detrimental for an older adult. There are many different reasons readmissions pose a risk for seniors. 1. Infections Elderly people often have weakened immune systems secondary to the aging process, so they’re…
If you care for a senior loved one with dementia, he or she may behave aggressively at times. One minute your loved one seems calm, and the next minute you wonder what just happened. Even if you know to expect the unexpected, when a loved one has dementia, aggressive acts can still catch you by surprise. Don't give up hope.…
If your senior loved one has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you need to come up with a long-term caregiving plan. Taking care of a senior with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but you can do quite a bit to make your loved one’s life as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible. With a few lifestyle changes and a solid plan in…
If your elderly loved one has been in the hospital recently, there's a good chance he or she will go back within 30 days. This is especially true for seniors with heart and lung problems or those who have had surgery on a hip or knee. Thankfully, doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff members are taking steps to keep older…
Staying physically and mentally active throughout the recovery process is essential to the health of senior stroke survivors. The mind and body need the stimulation to restore many of the functions lost due to the brain attack. Continue reading to learn about engaging at-home activities your elderly parent can do during stroke recovery. 1. Gardening Since your loved one is…
Parkinson’s is often referred to as a movement disorder, but the disease can affect the way people feel and act toward others. When the psychological impact goes unmanaged, it could lead to behavioral challenges and strained relationships. As a family caregiver, you should understand the emotional effects Parkinson’s has on your senior parent and what you can do to handle…