Hospital readmissions are an all-too-common occurrence for seniors. In fact, research suggests that the 30-day hospital readmission rate in seniors is 5.18%, and 41.4% of these are potentially unavoidable.
The repeated hospital stays can be attributed to exacerbation, reactivation, or progression of a previously existing disease.
Fortunately, a live-in caregiver offers a practical solution—providing seniors with personalized support at home to help prevent avoidable readmissions.
Learn how continuous care through live-in care can help improve your loved one’s health and prevent complications that can lead to hospitalizations.
The reasons behind the high readmission rates among seniors are multifaceted, especially for those suffering from chronic conditions. Some of the most common causes include the following:
Many seniors are discharged with complex medication regimens, including new prescriptions and dosage instructions.
If they don’t fully understand or remember these instructions, they risk taking incorrect doses or mixing medications improperly, which can lead to adverse reactions or ineffective treatment.
After a hospital stay, seniors often need help with daily tasks, wound care, or physical therapy. If they lack adequate support at home, their recovery may be compromised, increasing the chance of readmission. For seniors who live alone, this need is even more pressing.
Many older adults manage chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Without diligent follow-up and monitoring, these conditions can worsen after a hospital discharge, leading to a return trip to the hospital.
Follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring recovery, adjusting medications, and managing symptoms.
However, some seniors struggle with transportation, forget appointments, or lack support to keep these crucial follow-ups, leading to health setbacks.
Physical weakness or frailty after a hospital stay makes seniors more prone to falls, which can lead to injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Even if they avoid falls, a decline in mobility can worsen their health by reducing activity levels and weakening muscles.
Surgical wounds or other post-procedure sites can become infected if not cared for properly, leading to sepsis or other severe complications. These infections commonly cause readmission, particularly in seniors with weaker immune systems.
Recovery can be mentally challenging, especially for seniors dealing with conditions like depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. A negative mental state can impact their motivation to follow post-hospital care plans, contributing to further health deterioration.
Live-in care is a type of home care service in which a trained caregiver lives in the client’s home and provides continuous, around-the-clock support and assistance.
A live-in caregiver can cater to various patients and family needs, such as:
Live-in care is especially beneficial for seniors who need help with daily activities, have complex medical needs, or require consistent supervision but prefer to stay in the comfort of their own homes.
Live-in care is a comprehensive type of support that can address the primary causes of hospital readmissions for seniors. Here’s how:
Medication mismanagement is a leading cause of hospital readmissions, particularly among seniors who may have complex medication regimens.
Fortunately, a live-in caregiver can assist seniors with medication adherence, ensuring they take the right doses at the correct times. Live-in caregivers can also coordinate with healthcare providers to keep medication lists updated and monitor for any side effects or adverse reactions.
Attending follow-up appointments is crucial for post-hospitalization care. With live-in care, seniors have assistance scheduling, preparing for, and attending these appointments.
Caregivers can arrange transportation, provide reminders, and accompany seniors to ensure they receive necessary medical guidance.
Live-in caregivers play a critical role in monitoring seniors' health daily. Caregivers can identify early warning signs by observing changes in behavior, physical condition, or symptoms. This proactive approach allows seniors to receive timely interventions, which can prevent minor issues from escalating into serious complications that require hospitalization.
Daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, can become challenging after a hospital stay.
A live-in caregiver ensures that seniors receive support with these essential tasks. This assistance not only reduces the physical strain on seniors but also helps prevent falls, dehydration, and malnutrition—all of which can contribute to hospital readmissions.
The mental and emotional well-being of seniors significantly impacts their physical health. After a hospital stay, many seniors feel isolated or experience anxiety about their recovery.
Live-in caregivers provide companionship and emotional support, which can improve seniors' overall outlook and help them maintain a positive mindset during recovery.
While preventing hospital readmissions is a primary benefit of live-in care, there are additional advantages, such as:
At Happier at Home Care, we understand that the comforts of home play a crucial role in the healing process and in maintaining independence.
Our mission is to provide compassionate, highly qualified home health caregivers dedicated to helping you enjoy the best quality of life right where you feel most comfortable—at home.
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s recovery or want to learn more about the benefits of live-in care near me, reach out to us.
Contact the best home care in Bucks County, PA, today.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
