The majority of hospital readmissions involve seniors who experience complications or a new health condition within 30 days of being discharged from the hospital. While this can sometimes be linked to people being released too early, most readmissions are due to reasons families can prevent. Here are the top reasons your aging loved one could face a readmission along with some things you can do to make them less likely to happen.
Injuries Sustained During Falls
Falls are a serious problem for seniors who may already have weakened bones due to osteoporosis or aging. Seniors with a poor sense of balance are also less likely to fall in a way that protects the head, and any senior with a wound risks making it worse by falling. Your loved one needs someone to help him or her through the first days of recovery, when falls are more likely. Having a caregiver nearby is especially important for fall prevention if your loved one experiences fatigue or dizziness as a result of taking new medications.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Amarillo home care service 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.
Heart Attacks
Older adults also tend to experience issues with the heart during their first month of recovery. This can be caused by the body trying to divert its energy toward healing, but it can also be related to issues with diet, exercise, and medication. Help your loved one develop a healthy eating plan that follows the guidelines for people with cardiovascular disease. Your loved one may also need someone to help him or her perform exercises or just walk around to encourage blood flow throughout the body.
Respiratory Distress
There are several ailments that contribute to breathing difficulty following a hospital discharge. For instance, your loved one may develop pneumonia if no one is available to help him or her change positions throughout the day when he or she must remain in bed. Your loved one is also at risk of experiencing complications if he or she has COPD. Seniors with known respiratory conditions should have someone check on them every day, and having someone manage the housekeeping further reduces airborne pollutants that can lead to difficulty breathing.
A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable at-home care agencies, 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.
Blood Infections
Seniors who have undergone surgery or had a wound treated must be vigilant about hygiene. However, this is a time when your loved one may not be fully capable of caring for his or her needs independently. During the discharge process, make sure to learn as much as you can about the aftercare instructions. For instance, your loved one may be instructed to keep the wound dry, which can be difficult when trying to bathe without assistance. Depending on the location of the wound, your loved one may also be unable to see the early signs of an infection, such as redness. Appoint a caregiver to help your loved one with hygiene, and ask the caregiver to check the wound for signs of developing problems so your loved one can seek treatment before it turns into a major blood infection.
Many aging adults need assistance when they return home after being hospitalized. 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 Amarillo, TX, 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. Call Home Care Assistance today at (806) 803-9991 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.