Hospital readmission rates have become a serious issue among older adults. Although no one wants to go back to the hospital after discharge, many seniors must do exactly that. Not only is this demoralizing, but a second or third stay in the hospital also creates new problems for seniors and their families to overcome. Knowing how to prevent readmissions with proper aftercare provides these five great benefits that lead to better overall health.
1. Avoid Overfilling Medical Facilities
Most communities have medical facilities with a limited number of beds. Large hospitals may be designed to accommodate thousands of people, but even those can fill up. This is especially true for medical departments that treat issues that commonly occur among elderly people, such as pneumonia and blood infections. Once a hospital becomes overfilled, seniors and their families may be required to drive long distances to find facilities with space to provide care. In severe cases, seniors may be placed in rooms with others, which can increase the spread of hospital-acquired infections.
2. Lower the Cost of Health Care
Many seniors have insurance through either government or private plans. While these plans can offset the cost of health care, they often don’t provide total coverage. Each hospital stay means a senior may be responsible for more bills that become difficult to pay as they stack up. Often, paying for home care during the first few weeks after a hospital discharge is far less expensive than having to cover a second hospital stay.
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 Orlando,FL 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.
3. Keep Immune Systems Strong
Hospitals today have infection control plans in place. However, people still pick up infections in the hospital that delay healing. Having seniors recover at home means families have more control over how many people their loved one is exposed to. Limiting visitors to primary family members and professional caregivers can keep seniors’ immune systems stronger than they might be in a hospital environment.
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable in home care Orlando agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Prestige Home Care Orlando, 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. Promote Better Emotional Health
The medical staff in hospitals do their best to keep seniors happy. However, there’s no place like home for a comfortable recovery. While seniors are in the hospital, they may not be able to see their family and friends very often, which can cause them to feel isolated. Seniors may also feel sad seeing other people who have serious illnesses and injuries. Staying out of the hospital allows seniors to focus on positive thoughts during their recovery.
5. Provide More Personalized Care
Hospitals are medical facilities that must cater to a large number of people. While in the hospital, seniors are subjected to conditions, such as a limited diet and disrupted sleep, that interfere with recovery. By preventing hospital readmissions, seniors are able to recover at home, where they have more options for personalizing their care, such as choosing their bedtimes and eating a more diverse diet.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Orlando 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. Prestige Home Care Orlando can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at 407-604-0506 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.