A key objective in the field of senior healthcare is avoiding hospital readmissions. Elderly patients and their families may experience physical and psychological hardship when they must return to the hospital soon after being discharged. It also puts a burden on healthcare resources. Fortunately, readmission risk can be reduced, and seniors’ post-hospital care providers can support them with proactive techniques and careful planning.

Post-Hospital Care Bakersfield CA – Preventing Readmissions with Post-Hospital Recovery for Seniors

Realizing How Critical Post-Hospital Care Is to Avoid Readmissions

Readmissions to hospitals can be inconvenient as well as detrimental to the health of seniors. They may point to signs of unsolved medical problems, poor post-discharge treatment, or trouble managing long-term medical illnesses. Studies indicate that a notable fraction of readmissions in the senior population can be avoided, underscoring the need for focused interventions and support networks.

Important Techniques for Avoiding Readmissions

Avoiding readmissions requires a detailed post-hospital care plan, strong support from loved ones, and home care.

Consider the following techniques:

Thorough Discharge Planning: Post-hospital care planning begins even before seniors leave the hospital. Care coordination entails working with hospital personnel, specialists, primary care doctors, and home care. To guarantee continuity of care, clear communication regarding prescriptions, follow-up appointments, and care instructions is crucial.

Medication Management: Complicated medication schedules are common among seniors, which may cause confusion and mistakes after discharge. Seniors and their caregivers can safely manage drugs at home with the support of medication schedules that are made simpler, medication reconciliation services, and educational materials.

Home Care Services: Having access to in-home care services can drastically lower the risk of readmissions. These services include professional nursing, physical therapy, and help with everyday life activities. These services help seniors recuperate and rehabilitate by offering them individualized support in the comfort of their own homes.

Frequent Follow-Up Appointments: It’s essential to schedule follow-up visits with primary care physicians or specialists to keep an eye on seniors’ health after discharge. During these consultations, medical professionals can evaluate patients’ progress, handle any issues or problems, and modify treatment regimens as necessary.

Management of Chronic Diseases: Many seniors have long-term medical issues that need constant attention. By educating seniors about their diseases, imparting self-management skills, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, we can help them take control of their health and reduce the likelihood of issues or exacerbations.

Nutritional Support: Seniors’ general health and recuperation depend greatly on their ability to eat healthily. Seniors can manage chronic diseases, stay strong, and avoid complications by having access to wholesome meals, receiving dietary guidance, and receiving assistance from nutritionists or dietitians.

Fall Prevention Techniques: One of the main reasons seniors are readmitted to hospitals is falls. By putting fall prevention techniques into practice, such as making adjustments to one’s house, practicing balance, and using assistive technology, seniors can lower their risk of falling and becoming hurt, which can avoid needless hospital stays.

Seniors have specific needs and problems that must be addressed with a detailed post-hospital care plan. Healthcare professionals and home care can support seniors in their post-hospital care recovery journey and help them maintain optimal health and independence by implementing comprehensive discharge planning, optimizing medication management, offering home care services, encouraging regular follow-up care, managing chronic conditions effectively, ensuring proper nutrition, and putting fall prevention strategies into practice.

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4104507
https://news.yale.edu/2013/07/16/six-strategies-reducing-hospital-readmissions-among-elderly

If you or an aging loved one are considering Post-Hospital Care Services in Bakersfield CA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Everlight Home Care today. Call us at 559-353-2847.

Private Duty Home Care in Fresno, Madera, Kern Counties, and surrounding communities. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Gina Kendall

Gina Kendall has over 25 years of work experience serving the aging and the disabled. Her extensive experience in care and management began as a Social Services Coordinator in skilled nursing facilities. While working in this capacity, she became aware of the need for, and the importance of, good, quality, home care. Gina worked with families to keep their loved ones home and avoid a return visit to the hospital. As she continued her career of service, she began working with the disabled population helping to expand and improve their independence throughout all aspects of life.

This combination of experiences has afforded Gina a unique view of the needs of the aging and the disabled and how to best serve those needs in a home setting.

Gina’s Central Valley roots run deep. She earned her BA degree from Fresno State in 1993 and has lived and worked in Fresno for the past 20 years. In addition to raising her family in Fresno, she is actively involved in her local church and is a volunteer for various local community organizations.

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