Visiting Angels Caregivers Can Take Steps to Protect the Elderly?
In a letter submitted to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on March 11, 2020, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) urged regulators to make several sweeping changes that would free up home health providers in their fight against COVID-19.
“It is increasingly apparent that care in the home is the most prudent approach whether for purposes of isolating potentially infected individuals, providing direct virus-related care or addressing the risks of infection caused by avoidable exposure to other individuals,” the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit group’s letter stated. “As you well know, the elderly and those with fragile health conditions are considered the highest risk members of our society.”
Caregivers and Covid19
Visiting Angels’ Glendora home care professionals can help seniors in the San Gabriel Valley follow the CDC’s recommendations to reduce the risk of catching the virus and reducing the risk of readmission once discharged from a hospital setting. While following these practices can help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19, remember to still keep an eye on your loved ones and watch for symptoms of COVID-19 even after a hospital discharge.
Preventing Re-hospitalization
The vast majority of preventable re-hospitalizations are avoided by following doctors’ orders. But after a serious injury or illness, even the most basic tasks can be difficult or impossible for elderly adults. For seniors to follow doctors’ orders during this period, extensive outside support is essential for recovery.
Ready-Set-Go Home is a unique transitional care program that only Visiting Angels Glendora uses and is designed to help seniors make a successful transition home after hospitalization, increasing the odds of a full or partial recovery and reducing hospital readmission risks. Reducing hospital re-admissions to one of our Emanate hopitals in Glendora, Covina, or West Covina, are essential as elderly adults have a much lower chance of recovery if they are re-hospitalized within 30 days following their discharge. Visiting Angels Glendora provides home care services in accordance with medical directives and in conjunction with care provided by clients’ family and friends. Our services are customized for every client, ensuring your loved one receives care tailored to their specific needs acting as the “eyes and ears” in the home. Our caregivers can help spot changes in your loved one’s physical or cognitive health, and we know the reasons why many seniors skip follow-up doctors’ visits, miss medication doses, or otherwise fail to follow proper recovery protocols. If family and friends are acting as unpaid caregivers, our services can help them manage these responsibilities and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Do you have a loved one who will require home care services after an upcoming hospital discharge? Contact Visiting Angels Glendora today to learn more about our Ready-Set-Go Home program for reducing hospital re-admissions and to request a free consultation by calling 626-852-3302.
For more information and the latest updates, check out the CDC and WHO pages on COVID-19.
SOURCE:
https://www.visitingangels.com/glendora/articles/coronavirus-and-the-elderly-how-to-protect-your-senior-loved-ones/489
https://www.visitingangels.com/ready-set-go-home