Families often hear about seniors being readmitted to the hospital, yet many ignore the fact that it could happen to their aging loved ones. When the special senior in your life is in the hospital, it’s important to take an honest look at what landed him or her there along with the prognosis. Before your loved one goes home, assess his or her life for these six risk factors that need to be addressed to avoid readmission.
1. Having a Major Health Condition
Heart and respiratory conditions are the most common causes of people returning to the hospital. Your loved one is at risk of developing issues with breathing or blood circulation if he or she already has a condition such as COPD or heart disease. Making sure to keep these conditions under control helps your loved one avoid complications.
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable elderly home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Prestige 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.
2. Receiving Little Support at Home
The to-do list for a senior returning home from the hospital may seem endless. Not only do seniors need to add new medications to their schedules, but they may also be behind on housework, grocery shopping, and meal planning. Your loved one may be tempted to tackle too much independently, raising the risk of complications such as fall-related injuries. Provide assistance so your loved one can focus on recovery.
3. Maintaining Unhealthy Habits
Seniors who spend too much time at home alone may resume bad habits to alleviate their boredom and loneliness. If your loved one has an addiction to tobacco, food, or alcohol, now is the time to surround him or her with support. Simply having someone to talk to can make it easier to switch to a healthier lifestyle.
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 Windermere, 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.
4. Living with Depression
Depression is common after an illness or injury. Your loved one is at greater risk for developing severe depression if his or her hospitalization involved the diagnosis of a new long-term health condition. Make sure your loved one receives the appropriate professional attention if he or she experiences depression. Seniors who have strong mental health are more likely to follow their aftercare plans.
5. Experiencing Financial Difficulties
Seniors may be worried about how to meet their financial needs, which could cause them to skip buying medication or avoid signing up for therapy sessions. Help your loved one work out a budget that allows him or her to continue to care for his or her health without worrying about the financial burden.
6. Being Unable to Drive
Driving is an ability families often overlook when their loved ones first come home. Your loved one may not be able to drive until he or she has fully recovered. It’s also possible that your loved one has been experiencing issues with driving that weren’t obvious until now. Professional senior transportation services are an option that helps seniors attend follow-up appointments so they can prevent complications when they return home.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Orlando 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. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Prestige Home Care. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (407) 232-7155.