Of all age groups, seniors aged 65 and older have the highest rate of hospital readmissions. Statistics indicate up to 20 percent of older adults are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after being discharged. There are many ways reducing the chance of reentering the hospital benefits older adults.
Reduces the Risk of Nosocomial Infections
Approximately 5 percent of people admitted to the hospital acquire infections during their stays. As older adults have diminished immune systems, they’re more susceptible to infection. Seniors with compromised immune systems are of particular concern. If they require admittance to an intensive care unit or have a central venous line or urinary catheter, the risk rises to 50 percent. When you take the necessary steps to ensure your older loved one’s health, he or she need not reenter the hospital and become an infection statistic.
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, including infections. When searching for reliable senior 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.
Prevents Mental Health Issues
Seniors who have extended hospital stays have been shown to experience agitation, boredom, depression, and other emotional and mental health issues. Older adults may exhibit a decrease in cognitive function secondary to sensory deprivation that may lead to memory lapses or general confusion. Multiple hospital stays increase the risk of such problems. Being at home surrounded by loved ones who continually monitor their conditions and needs helps seniors recover faster without emotional or mental issues.
Minimizes Stress
Seniors living with chronic medical conditions are under some degree of stress. While hospitalized, an older adult may find the food unappealing and refuse to eat, which leads to malnutrition. Additionally, having to be in a hospital away from home and loved ones while managing an unresolved problem exacerbates stress levels even more. Stress interferes with the healing process.
Maintains Strength
Having to stay in a hospital bed for multiple days leads to bone and muscle weakness. Often when seniors are readmitted to the hospital, they’ve hardly recovered from the first stay when they’re subjected to being bedridden again. Remaining in bed for extended periods increases the chance of developing pressure sores. Nurses and staff members waking seniors to give them medication, monitor vital signs, and administer other treatments cause disruptions in sleep patterns, which compound the problem.
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 home care Fort Lauderdale, 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 home caregiver.
Enhances Continence
Being hospitalized poses a risk of becoming incontinent. IV lines and diuretic medications increase the need to empty the bladder. A senior in a weakened state often needs help getting out of bed and to the bathroom. Assistance may be delayed, which increases the chance of experiencing bladder incontinence. Bowel incontinence may occur for similar reasons.
Ensures Independence
The mental and physical problems seniors experience with multiple readmissions to the hospital inhibit the ability to remain independent. They may need help with many different daily tasks, from getting dressed to performing personal hygiene. Seniors also become more susceptible to falls. By preventing further hospitalizations, you increase the chance for your loved one to recover and once again live independently.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Fort Lauderdale at-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. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at +1 754-900-5102 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.
