The Best Strategies for Reducing Hospital Readmissions

Hospital readmissions are frequent among older adults, but most of these cases are preventable. Avoiding hospitalization can reduce the risk of other dangers and boost quality of life. The tips mentioned below may speed the recovery process and prevent seniors from being readmitted to the hospital.

Focusing during the Discharge Process

If you don’t understand something about your senior loved one’s condition or the treatment process, you need to ask the nurse, doctor, and other medical providers before leaving the hospital. During the discharge process, you’ll receive the advice, tips, and information you need to establish a good healthcare plan. However, many caregivers rush through this process and put their loved ones at risk for hospital readmission or worse. Ask hospital officials about discharge programs you and your siblings can participate in. These programs can give you tips and advice about: 

  • Home improvements 
  • Medication reminders 
  • Rehab exercises 
  • The importance of doctor visits 

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 Oshkosh, WI, 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.

Healthy Diet & Exercise Routine

The top causes of hospital readmissions among older adults are heart attacks, pneumonia, heart failure, and ineffective hip or knee replacements. Following a healthy diet and staying physically active can reduce these risks and lower your loved one’s odds of being readmitted to the hospital. 

Help your loved one avoid eating foods that disrupt treatment, opting for healthy options recommended by his or her medical provider instead. Although exercise is crucial for heart and bone health, your loved one should avoid activities that put too much pressure on the mind and body. 

Transportation

This is an aspect of caregiving that often gets less attention than it deserves. Transportation is vital to recovery because your loved one will need to handle basic tasks, such as picking up medications from the pharmacy, going to doctor appointments, attending group therapy, and running various errands related to his or her physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. 

Your loved one’s health may prevent him or her from driving, so he or she will rely on you and other caregivers for transportation. When your family is unable to drive your loved one to necessary appointments, he or she can use senior-friendly driving services, such as Lyft and Uber, or transportation options offered by nonprofit organizations, or you can hire a professional caregiver. 

A professional caregiver can provide transportation and monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable at-home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Senior Stride 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.

Full Support System

Accidents and illnesses related to falls are common reasons older adults are readmitted to the hospital, which is why they need full support from family and friends during the recovery process. Having someone monitor daily activities can lower the risk of slips and falls and prevent accidents and traumas that require additional treatment. 

Create a schedule that allows you and your siblings to devote equal time to caring for your parent. In some cases, getting other family members to help out isn’t possible, so you should use in-home respite care services. Help from caregiving professionals allows you to continue handling your personal and professional tasks while your loved one receives adequate care throughout the recovery process. 

Oshkosh home care service 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. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today.

 

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