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Reducing hospital readmissions is a priority for everyone involved in the field of senior care. Hospitals are now focusing on making sure seniors are informed about what to expect when they go home, and families are encouraged to arrange for home care services to prevent common issues that arise during recovery. Seniors who are able to stay out of the hospital after they’re discharged can enjoy these seven benefits.
1. Minimized Healthcare Costs
The majority of seniors live on budgets, which can make it challenging to manage bills on top of the costs related to their healthcare. Even seniors who have health insurance may still need to cover things such as copays and the cost of non-covered medical supplies. Recovering at home gives them more control over their spending.
2. Avoidance of New Medications
Each new medication raises the risk of having a mishap. When seniors return to the hospital for new or related medical reasons, they’ll likely end up with new types of medication. In addition to raising the risk of a medication mix-up, this also means adjusting to a new dosing schedule.
3. More Socialization
When seniors are sick or hurt, they need to be surrounded by people who lift their spirits. Hospitals can make visitation difficult due to things such as the distance from the family’s home and special hours designated for visiting. It’s far easier in most cases for people to visit their senior loved ones at home, where they have the convenience of setting up times that work for everyone.
4. Better Rest
The importance of rest for recovery is well understood, but it tends to be difficult to get enough rest in the hospital. With nurses coming in to check vital signs at all hours of the day and night, most people find they don’t feel well rested until they get home. Being able to sleep in the comfort of their own beds gives seniors that extra bit of energy they need to focus on healing.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. 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.
5. Positive Outlook
The nurses and doctors in hospitals try to lift people’s spirits, but it’s hard on a senior’s mental health to face a setback in recovery. Reducing hospital readmissions means more seniors get to enjoy the positive feelings that come with making progress, which further reduces the risk of depression after being diagnosed with a long-term health condition.
6. Independence
Independence is important at every stage of life. In the hospital, seniors may begin therapy, but it’s impossible to recreate what their lives will be like at home. Seniors who can avoid being readmitted to the hospital are able to begin learning how to do things such as cook and bathe with assistance in the spaces where they’ll need those types of help.
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 in-home care Portland, OR, 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 in-home caregiver.
7. Prevention of New Infections
When a senior is trying to heal, his or her immune system is already overburdened. Going back to the hospital exposes seniors to potential infectious agents that can make them sicker. Avoiding new infections makes a tremendous difference in how quickly seniors recover.
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, including infections. When searching for reliable Portland home care service 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. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 503-664-7934 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
