Reduce Re-Hospitalization with Home Care
For many older adults, the thought of returning to a hospital evokes fear and distress. Fortunately, home care services can provide the transitional care necessary to keep seniors healthy and avoid re-hospitalization.
Let’s take a closer look at how home care works and how it can reduce rehospitalization for seniors.
What Are Home Care Services?
Home care services assist seniors with medications, hygiene, meals, and everyday activities. In addition, it can also provide medical monitoring, such as taking vital signs and checking for any potential warning signs of health issues or acute illnesses.
With these services, clients can get the attention they need to confirm their recovery is progressing and that any complications are identified and addressed quickly.
For seniors who live alone, home care services ensure they have someone to look out for them. This can be a great source of comfort, especially when the senior may not have family members or other close contacts nearby to monitor their health.
The Benefits of Home Care Services
Home care services have many benefits beyond helping prevent rehospitalization. One such benefit is increased safety in one’s home compared to staying in a medical facility or nursing home.
Having someone regularly check on them provides peace of mind for both them and their families. Plus, having someone available to help with medications and food allows seniors to remain independent while still receiving quality care right at home—and all without having to worry about potentially going back into a hospital in case something goes wrong.
Additional benefits of home care services include:
- Increased comfort – No more long waits in hospital lobbies or uncomfortable beds.
- Increased mobility – Home care services enable seniors to stay active.
- Decreased stress – Home care allows seniors to remain in a familiar environment.
- Improved quality of life – Home care services provide seniors with the support they need to be healthy and safe.
Companionship and Socialization
Home care services also provide seniors with companionship and socialization. Many seniors do not have much family around them or are too physically or mentally impaired to participate in social activities. Having a home care provider visit regularly can give them someone with whom they can interact and provide emotional support.
Companionship and socialization are important for seniors’ mental health and overall well-being. Social isolation is linked to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It also increases the risk of falls, dementia, and cognitive decline.
By having a home care provider regularly visit, seniors can receive the stimulation and companionship they need to stay healthy and happy.
Transitional Care for Seniors
Home care services can be an invaluable resource for seniors transitioning home from a hospital visit. Transitional care affirms the client is recovering and monitored for any signs of health complications. Without this type of assistance, seniors may be at risk for rehospitalization.
Re-hospitalization often occurs when seniors do not receive proper care following discharge. For example, they may not be getting the medications they need, or they may not be receiving necessary treatments. This can be especially detrimental for those with chronic illnesses or who require ongoing medical attention.
By utilizing home care services, seniors can receive the transitional care they need to avoid the risk of re-hospitalization and injury. Plus, they remain independent and in their own homes, surrounded by familiar faces and objects.
Risk Factors for Rehospitalization
Without someone monitoring their progress, seniors may be at higher risk for rehospitalization.
Here are some of the most common risk factors:
- Poor nutrition – A lack of nutritious food can weaken immune systems and make them more susceptible to illness or infection.
- Poor medication management – If seniors aren’t taking their medications as prescribed, they’re at higher risk of developing a medical condition requiring hospitalization.
- Lack of physical activity – Not staying active can lead to muscle weakness, falls, and other health complications.
- Poor hygiene – Not bathing or brushing teeth regularly can lead to skin irritation and infections.
- Cognitive decline – If a senior has memory problems or difficulty managing daily activities, they may be at risk for rehospitalization.
By having someone who can monitor their health and aid when needed, seniors can reduce these risk factors and remain independent.
Conclusion
Once a senior loved one leaves the hospital, having a home care service to provide the transitional care they need can be invaluable. Home care services offer many benefits, including increased comfort, mobility, and safety. In addition, having someone regularly check in on your senior loved one can reduce potential re-hospitalizations due to medication mistakes, accidents, or untreated illnesses.
By taking advantage of these services, you can rest assured knowing your loved one is receiving the care needed to stay healthy and safe.
At Visiting Angels Tulsa, OK, our home care providers are here to bridge the gap between hospital visits and returning home. If you are interested in helping your senior loved one reduce their risk of re-hospitalization, contact us today to learn more about our home care services throughout Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Jenks and Bixby.