Will your loved one be discharged after a hospital stay soon? If so, now is the time to discuss transitional care. It’s important to keep in mind that seniors have a high rate of hospital readmissions. In fact, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) report that nearly one-fifth of Medicare patients who are discharged from a hospital are readmitted within thirty days.

Our transitional care program at Visiting Angels® in Rochester Hills aims to help seniors prevent a costly hospital readmission and support them through this critical time.

Contact Us

Understanding Hospital Readmissions for Better Transitional Care

A senior can be readmitted to the hospital for numerous reasons. However, the following are some of the most common factors that can lead to a hospital readmission:

• An inability to manage health at home
• Disrupted sleeping and eating routines
• Disregard for important discharge instructions
• Failure to attend follow-up medical appointments
• Lack of proper medication management

If you live out of town and can’t be here during your loved one’s hospital discharge, our caregivers act as your eyes and ears. We coordinate with a client’s medical team regarding discharge plans, we relay updates and progress to you, and we provide the in-home mobility support and personal assistance they need at home. You’ll find some peace of mind knowing someone local is checking in regularly.

Our Transitional Care Program’s Comprehensive Approach

At Visiting Angels Rochester Hills, we’ve developed a transitional care program with a three-pronged approach to assist seniors through their transition from hospital to home:

• Transitional care in the hospital: We lay the foundation for a successful discharge by first coordinating with the client’s hospital discharge planner. Visiting Angels in Rochester Hills also makes sure clients are as informed as possible about the upcoming challenges by providing them with “Ready-Set-Go Home,” our helpful transitional care guide.
  
  
• Support and assistance at home: Our compassionate transitional caregivers will give your loved one the help that he or she needs to make a safe and comfortable transition back home. In addition to assisting with daily routines, our caregivers monitor changes in your loved one’s well-being and day-to-day habits so that any problem behaviors can be promptly addressed.
  
  
• Tracking with specialized systems: Our office staff in Rochester Hills uses advanced technology, tools and resources to track the progress of our clients. We can also assist with arranging deliveries and providing important medication reminders.

What to Expect the First 72 Hours Back at Home

On Day 1, your loved one arrives home a bit groggy and probably unsure of their discharge instructions. Most likely, the client will not have an appetite or feel like eating. Medications are still in a pharmacy bag.

When Day 2 arrives, a heavy sense of fatigue and confusion may set in. Meals are skipped. No one has called to confirm the follow-up appointment.

By Day 3 without support at home, small issues like dizziness when getting out of bed, or forgetting to take medicine become very real threats to a full recovery.

Our caregivers understand the urgency of post-hospital care and are trained to address the aforementioned issues that arise during those first few days back at home. From setting up safe walking paths inside the home to monitoring mood and eating habits, our home health aides provide the kind of care that helps clients feel calm and cared for.

Safe Transition Home from the Hospital in Rochester Hills

The transition home from Henry Ford Rochester Hospital, Beaumont Hospital or Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital is one of the most vulnerable periods that an elderly adult has to face; especially after having a hip replacement or cardiac bypass surgery. Don't leave your loved one's post-hospital recovery to chance.

Help your loved one avoid a hospital readmission by setting up transitional care services prior to getting discharged from the hospital.Contact our local Visiting Angels office in Rochester Hills by calling (248) 649-8890 to get more information or schedule a free home consultation.