A study of seniors over the age of 65 revealed that nearly 13 percent required readmission to the hospital within a month after being discharged. Some conditions increase the odds that an older adult will return to the hospital. However, family members can play a role in reducing the risk if they’re aware of the most common diagnoses.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Seniors living with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema are considered to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The lung condition weakens the organs and causes breathing difficulty. Not being able to fully inflate and deflate the lungs greatly reduces available oxygen, interfering with the body’s ability to function or heal from any other condition.
The lack of oxygen causes bodily systems to weaken and leaves seniors more susceptible to other problems that also increase their risk of needing repeated hospitalizations. Family members must ensure their aging loved ones are taking medications as prescribed and engaging in the recommended therapies that help them maintain lung function.
Many aging adults need assistance when they return home after being hospitalized. 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.
Diabetes
Diabetes interferes with a number of bodily functions, making it difficult to heal from other medical conditions. The disorder causes inflammation throughout the body, which interferes with cardiovascular function and further impedes the healing process.
A lack of adequate circulation may leave older adults prone to infections if they have open wounds. Impaired circulation may also inhibit lymphatic function and prevent the immune system from coming to the rescue.
Irregular blood sugar and complications that may occur secondary to diabetes increase the risk of multiple hospitalizations. Make sure your loved one takes medications as prescribed and maintains a proper diet. Foot and oral care are also important to prevent injury and infection.
Heart Attacks
After a senior has a heart attack, the medical team strives to correct the problems that led to the infarction. A physician may prescribe an anticoagulant medication, a diuretic, or blood pressure medications. The treatments provided may lead to abnormal bleeding or the development of a blood clot, which may necessitate a longer initial stay or subsequent readmission.
If your loved one doesn’t follow the physician’s instructions, he or she may experience further cardiac problems and hospitalizations. Rest and activity as tolerated are often advised. In time, your loved one must adhere to a healthier diet and start getting more physical activity to strengthen the cardiovascular system.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. The type of home care Columbia seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Infections
The aging process causes many of the body’s systems, including the immune system, to function less effectively. As such, older adults are more susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. The aging body has greater difficulty healing when its systems are trying to function in the presence of cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, or cancer.
Before your parent leaves the hospital, ensure his or her vital signs are within normal limits. Signs or symptoms of an infection require treatment. Once home, you can help your loved one stay healthier by ensuring he or she eats a healthy diet, regularly washes his or her hands, and remains updated on vaccinations.
A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, including infections. When searching for reliable elder 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. For reliable in-home care services, contact us today.
