IMPROVE THE ODDS OF RECOVERY AFTER HOSPITAL STAY WITH HOMECARE
After being discharged from the hospital, seniors will still need extra care at home to improve their chances of a successful recovery. Homecare can help them stay on track, follow doctor’s orders, prevent falls and readmittance, and regain as much of their independence back as possible. Many of the issues that cause problems with recovery could be prevented if both you and your loved one are well-prepared for hospital discharge, know what questions to ask, and when to ask for help. You may find our prior article helpful: https://www.visitingangels.com/palmbeaches/get-the-details-before-discharge-of-a-loved-one-weekly-message_3096
Unfortunately, the hospital discharge process is often rushed and confusing. Which is probably why studies show that 40% of patients over the age of 65 years old had medication errors after leaving the hospital, and 18% were readmitted within 30 days! Insurance companies have shortened hospital stays, so many Seniors aren’t really ready to leave the hospital, let alone go home and fend for themselves over the first few days of their recovery. But how do you get your senior loved one to accept the fact that they need help? Even though discharged, they will still need help with bathing and toileting, even rehab or physical therapy at home. They might even need a more intense level of care depending on what procedures were done, how quickly they bounce back, and whether or not they have additional chronic conditions or dementia which may complicate things. Add to this the fact that a patient can’t get better if they do not follow the post discharge protocols of the doctor, and if they don’t take their prescribed medications, or attend the follow up visit with the doctor or therapists. In spite of that, many senior patients do not follow through, and their family members do not have the time or patience to make sure that they do. This is when it is time to reach out to an award-winning home health agency like Visiting Angels.
Some seniors (and their family members) have unrealistic expectations about how much the patient will be able to do on their own after leaving the hospital. Perhaps help is needed with daily hygiene, monitoring medication dosing with or without food and hydration. Is the patient a fall risk? Do they need assistance to take short walks or practice therapy exercises? With a skilled and well trained caregiver from Visiting Angels at their side to keep them steady and safe, they’ll be able to have a successful transition from hospital to home, gradually increase their activity level and improve recovery. Visiting Angels caregivers know how to keep their clients comfortable, keep them engaged while stuck at home with reading and music, arrange for a cable movie, make a meal, even take care of the laundry so you don’t have to.
Last but not least, a Visiting Angels caregiver is trained to look for the red flags and symptoms that indicate your loved one’s recovery is not going well and you may need to reach out to the doctor or arrange for an emergency return to the hospital.
Contact Us: If you feel overwhelming concern for your loved one because you live far away, or have time constraints due to your job, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you can’t be there for their recovery as much as you would like. Visiting Angels has a program for Palm Beach County Seniors called “Ready, Set, Go Home,” which may be the perfect solution for peace of mind after discharge from the hospital. The details can be found HERE.
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD, Owner and CEO, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
This article is not intended as medical, legal, or financial advice.