Being released from the hospital is good for a senior’s mental, physical, and emotional health. However, becoming too lax with care could increase the risk of readmission. Here are some effects of hospital readmissions on seniors and what family caregivers can do to prevent these consequences.
1. Nursing Home Recommendation
When aging adults are readmitted to the hospital, their medical providers look at different factors, and they may determine that high-quality care isn’t being provided at home. Although you and your family do all you can to keep your aging loved one in good health, it may not be enough, and the odds of readmission increase. As a result, your loved one may need to be moved into a nursing home or a rehabilitation facility instead of returning home and receiving care from you and other family members.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Columbia, MD, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
2. Stress
Staying in the hospital can be stressful for seniors because they’re in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers and other people with illnesses and injuries. The noise and busy atmosphere in the hospital can increase anxiety levels and lead to other serious problems, such as depression. Receiving high-quality care in the comfort of home can increase the odds of a speedy recovery from surgery, better blood pressure levels, and stronger mental health.
3. Increased Risk of Infections
A healthy diet, exercise, and socialization are critical factors in preventing hospital readmission and boosting quality of life. However, developing bad habits after being discharged can increase the risk of being readmitted to the hospital, which could lead to other health issues, such as infections. Seniors are more susceptible to viruses after being readmitted to the hospital due to the toxins and bacteria in medical facilities. Your loved one is less likely to experience this type of environmental problem if he or she avoids hospital readmission.
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, including infections. When searching for reliable home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Assisting Hands Home Care, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.
4. Fear
When seniors are readmitted to the hospital, they may begin to fear their health will worsen. Instead of focusing on getting stronger, they worry about the unknown. An excellent way to prevent this fear from growing stronger is to help your loved one find ways to boost his or her self-esteem, such as receiving good reports from the doctor or achieving health goals one at a time.
5. Poor Physical Health
Lying in a hospital bed for long periods can worsen physical health in older adults. Although their nurses and other medical providers get them up to stretch and do some physical activity, it won’t be the same as the exercise routines they participated in at home. Help your parent do everything possible to lower the risk of readmission, starting with accepting your help and following the care plan you’ve created.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Columbia in-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to tailor a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.
