Seniors who do not seek additional in-home care and support after they've been discharged from the hospital have an increased risk of being readmitted. Medication reminders, aid with following discharge instructions, and support with everyday household tasks may make the difference between a return to the hospital and a successful recovery.

That is where Visiting Angels^® Fort Smith can help. Our Ready-Set-Go Home program gives seniors in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, Greenwood, and the surrounding communities in the River Valley Area of Arkansas the transitional care services that are so often needed to avoid hospital readmissions and stay on the road to full recovery. You can count on our personal caregivers to help your loved one as they recover at home.

The Risk of Hospital Readmission for Seniors in and Around Fort Smith Can be Reduced with Transitional Care Services

While anyone discharged from a hospital in the River Valley may need some kind of in-home care during their recovery to avoid rehospitalization, the need for seniors is often much greater. Nearly one in five Medicare recipients end up needing to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged. Why is the risk so much greater for seniors?

The reasons for readmission vary by each individual but often include the following: 

• Failure to follow hospital discharge instructions
• Missing scheduled doctors appointments and follow-ups
• Trying to do too much on their own too quickly
• Forgetting to take prescribed medications on time, or taking the wrong dose
• Neglecting to report changes in their condition, or worsening symptoms

Being readmitted to the hospital after experiencing complications can impact a senior's ability to remain independent. Readmissions usually lead to longer recovery times and can reduce the chances of a full recovery. Some seniors who get readmitted may never be able to live independently again due to physical or cognitive limitations, even after recovering. Therefore, having a personal caregiver to provide transitional care is essential for older adults who have been discharged and need to recover at home.

How Personal Caregivers from Visiting Angels Fort Smith Can Help

Re-admission to the hospital is a risk for seniors in Fort Smith and surrounding areas who live alone and have recently been hospitalized. Family members may feel like they need to help, but can't because of their own responsibilities and work schedules, or because they live too far away from the River Valley area. Many families have found that Visiting Angels Fort Smith's transitional care services are the best option. Our transitional care program, Ready-Set-Go Home, provides assistance and support to seniors in the River Valley area during their hospital stay, release, and at-home rehabilitation. Unlike other local home care agencies, we personalize care plans for each and every senior in our care. That means your loved one will receive the care and support they truly need from a professional personal caregiver throughout their recovery.

Our Ready-Set-Go Home program includes:

• Scheduled personal caregiver visits throughout their hospital stay
• Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
• Meal planning and preparation following dietary restrictions or guidelines
• Reminders to take prescribed medications, drink fluids, and eat regularly
• Moral support and companionship during the recovery process
• Assisting with light housekeeping tasks, such as washing dishes, vacuuming, and laundry
• Assistance with daily tasks that may be difficult or impossible during recovery, such as bathing and dressing
• Respite for family caregivers

When you make the decision to entrust your loved one's transitional care needs to Visiting Angels Fort Smith, you can rest certain that we will be there for you every step of the way. You can count on our personal caregivers whenever your loved one needs part-time care, full-time care, or 24-hour care, even on holidays and weekends. For after-hours emergencies, you may reach us at any time and expect a callback within 15 minutes.

Get Started with a Personal Caregiver from Visiting Angels Fort Smith

For more information about our Ready-Set-Go Home transitional care program and how our personal caregivers can help your loved one, reach out to our Fort Smith, AR, office today for a no-cost in-home consultation.