Frequent Causes of Hospital Readmission a Month After Discharge
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 9 am on
Many caregivers work hard to prevent their aging loved ones from being readmitted to the hospital within the first 30 days, but the recovery process doesn’t stop there. Seniors must maintain a healthcare plan even after that time has passed. Here are some of the top reasons for senior hospital readmissions after 30 days and prevention steps your family can take.
Poorly Managed Discharge
If you don’t understand the discharge procedure, speak up. Your loved one’s doctors, nurses, and other medical providers might have other ways to explain the process, making sure it’s clear to you and your parent. Some hospitals have discharge programs available so family caregivers can take classes and receive literature about transitioning their loved ones from the hospital to home. Read over the instructions before signing the discharge papers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A smooth transition could increase your loved one’s recovery odds and lower the risk of hospital readmission after 30 days.A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliableelderly home careagencies, 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.
High Blood Pressure
Congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are two of the top risk factors associated with readmissions, and high blood pressure increases those odds. You can help your loved one by preventing problems that may lead to hypertension, such as overeating, becoming inactive, and stressing over everyday issues like finances. Regular exercise, socialization, and avoiding sodium-rich foods and alcoholic beverages can help your loved one control his or her blood pressure. Keep in mind that hypertension can also cause medications to be ineffective and lead to hospital readmission.
Depression
Your parent’s daily life may change once released from the hospital, and some tasks may become difficult to manage due to health limitations and the effects of medications. Instead of creating ways to get stronger and make daily life more manageable, your loved one could give up and allow his or her health to decrease at a faster rate, which increases the odds of hospital readmission after 30 days. Encouraging your loved one to be independent without putting his or her health and safety at risk can boost recovery odds and stave off depression. Customize the daily routine based on your loved one’s current abilities, and adapt the home environment according to recommendations from his or her doctor.A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Des Moines senior home careexperts 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.
Improper Medication Management
Seniors need to take medicines as prescribed. Even if your loved one is recovering well, he or she shouldn’t stop taking prescribed medications. For treatment to be effective, your loved one must follow the physician’s instructions completely. If your loved one stops taking the prescriptions, the side effects could appear well after 30 days and lead to hospital readmission. Some seniors stop taking prescriptions due to the side effects, which is why you should ask the pharmacist for tips to ensure your loved one takes the medicines correctly. Also, consider using medication management apps.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 Des Moines, IA, 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. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
