Hospital readmission rates are increasing among seniors in the United States. According to a recent study, 1 in 6 people on Medicare are back in the hospital within one month of being discharged. In some areas of the country, more than 17 percent of people are readmitted following surgery. If you’re a family caregiver, there are several things you can do to reduce your senior loved one’s chances of being readmitted for problems related to surgery.
1. Schedule a Follow-Up Visit with a Primary Care Doctor
Researchers have found that a lack of follow-up care is a major cause of hospital readmissions. In fact, just 40 percent of seniors discharged from the hospital had primary care visits within two weeks.
Senior 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.
2. Talk with Health Care Providers
Another problem is a lack of communication between seniors and health care providers. Make sure you speak with your loved one’s doctors and get your questions answered before leaving the hospital. Work with your loved one’s doctors to create a detailed, customized care plan for home.
3. Fight Surgical Site Infections
Infection is the leading cause of readmission, with 6 percent of people across the country being readmitted to the hospital due to infection alone. Make sure you understand the doctor’s care instructions. Ask how long the incision site should stay dry, and check the incision every day for signs of infection. Don’t use lotion on the incision. Dressings should be changed daily according to the doctor’s instructions. If you notice signs of infection, such as increased pain, an incision that’s hot to the touch, redness of the surrounding skin, or green or yellow discharge, contact your loved one’s doctor right away.
Providing post-hospitalization care to older adults can be a challenging task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Livingston, NJ, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
4. Get Help
While your loved one is recovering, it can help to have someone nearby and available at all times to provide assistance around the house, mobility support, and safety monitoring. You may find it helpful to set up a rotation system with other family members or reach out to a professional home care agency.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Livingston families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to schedule a free consultation.
