A large percentage of seniors who are discharged from the hospital typically make a repeat visit to the facility within a month. While health complications account for many readmissions, lack of education among seniors and family caregivers could also be the cause. However, families can use the following tips to be better informed so they can reduce the odds of their senior loved ones being readmitted to the hospital.
Learn More about the Recovery Process
Taking your loved one home from the hospital is a small part of the recovery process. It’s what happens while he or she is at home that can reduce or increase the odds of readmission. Therefore, you need to learn as much about your loved one’s condition as possible, which can be done by requesting educational information about the issue from the hospital or a local senior center. You can also get material online regarding the recovery process. The more informed you are, the better your decision-making can be when your loved one is released from the hospital’s care.
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 Clearwater, FL, 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.
Know the Warning Signs
Having a surgical procedure or receiving treatment in the hospital means your loved one is surrounded by medical professionals who have studied and trained in specific areas. They know what to look for in regard to a poor reaction to treatment or uncommon symptoms. However, you can get educated on the warning signs of various age-related conditions, which can help you monitor your loved one’s health adequately once he or she has been released from the hospital. Knowing what you’re looking for can help you rectify the situation at home or with a doctor visit, as opposed to your loved one being readmitted to the hospital.
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications and provide transportation to doctor appointments. When searching for reliable Clearwater Home Care, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, 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.
Enroll in Education Groups
Some family caregiver groups offer extensive health seminars and programs family caregivers can take advantage of and use the literature, education, and hands-on training to ensure their loved ones are cared for properly and their risk of hospital readmission is lowered. Ask your loved one’s primary care physician if these education programs are available at the hospital, or request a referral for community programs focused on readmission prevention. While attending these programs, you’ll learn some of the top reasons seniors are readmitted to the hospital in addition to identifying the best practices to use at home and tips to manage your loved one’s care more effectively and efficiently.
Get Clear Discharge Instructions
The best education comes from the discharge videos, paperwork, and advice of doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other medical providers. Before your loved one is released, he or she will need to read and clearly understand the discharge instructions. Family caregivers are generally required to receive the instructions if their loved ones are being released into their care. This is the time to ask questions, take notes, and learn as much as possible. If you don’t understand the instructions, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. State health boards create discharge instructions and procedures to help individuals based on literacy levels, financial abilities, and other limitations.
Clearwater at-home care 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. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (727) 330-7862.