Reducing hospital readmissions is a primary goal within the medical field, and seniors are one of the highest-priority populations being targeted. Reducing readmission rates not only helps hospitals open up beds for people who need them but also provides important benefits for seniors. On a personal level, your senior loved one can enjoy these advantages from not having to go back to the hospital after discharge.
1. Keep Up Morale
The pure look of joy on your loved one’s face when walking back into his or her home may be all it takes to make it clear why hospital readmissions need to be prevented. Seniors who are able to recover at home generally feel happier and more motivated to continue following their treatment plans, which translates to fewer incidences of depression and anxiety.
2. Avoid a Setback in Recovery
In most cases, a hospital readmission means something happened to delay healing from the initial health problem. For instance, a medication mix-up could have caused your loved one to develop an infection or have a heart problem, which now means he or she has to recover from two or more things at once.
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 elderly home care Dana Point, CA, 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 in-home caregiver.
3. Strengthen the Immune System
The immune system can take a hit after an illness or injury. Now it’s important to protect against additional illnesses. Going back to the hospital exposes your loved one to germs that could make him or her sick again, and helping your parent stay home protects against this exposure.
4. Provide Better Food
Hospital food has come a long way, but there’s nothing like a home-cooked meal. At home, a professional caregiver can experiment with new recipes that fit into your loved one’s prescribed diet plan. When your loved one has delicious meals available, he or she may eat more of the fruits and vegetables needed to stay healthy.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. In-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.
5. Preserve Post-Retirement Finances
Hospital stays are nearly always more expensive than arranging for help at home. Even with insurance, your loved one may still need to pay a deductible or copay. The costs of new medications and gas to and from the hospital also add up. Hiring a home caregiver during the first few weeks after leaving the hospital can defray these types of costs.
6. Make It Easier to Follow the Treatment Plan
Hospitals make time for therapy sessions that help seniors recover. However, older adults may be too tired from being awakened by nurses during the night to focus on their exercises. Getting enough sleep at home means your loved one can go to therapy sessions with the energy needed to put his or her full efforts into getting better.
7. Surround Your Loved One with Love & Support
The greatest advantage of keeping your loved one out of the hospital is that you have more freedom to provide the attention he or she needs to heal. You can choose a home caregiver with a personality that matches your loved one’s. Your family can also visit your loved one freely without having to worry about visitation hours at a hospital, which could hold them back from providing more support.
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, preventing readmission. When searching for a reliable homecare agency in Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Assisting Hands® Dana Point, 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. Call us at (949) 426-7300 to create a customized in-home care plan.
