The Importance of Transitional Care for Seniors Returning Home from the Hospital

When an elderly loved one returns home from the hospital, it’s important to make sure they have the support they need at home in order to reduce the likelihood of readmission. Here’s how in-home care services from Senior Home Care by Angels can help.

If your loved one has been hospitalized, you are probably worried that this could be the beginning of a series of readmissions. In order to help your loved one maintain independence and stay at home, keeping them safe and out of the hospital is necessary. Hospital stays can be pricey, not to mention that seniors can contact hospital-acquired illnesses, such as pneumonia and a severe infection of the digestive tract. That’s why it is vital to reduce hospital readmissions.

With in-home care services from Senior Home Care by Angels, your loved one will be able to safely recover in the comfort of their home, where they will receive the assistance and support they need.

Risk Factors for Readmission

According to various studies, many factors increase the odds of readmission. Socioeconomic status, chronic illness, mental disability, long hospital stay, widowhood, social isolation, lack of support, number of medications prescribed, cognitive disability, frequent falls, as well as incontinence are some of the factors that can cause readmission.

The Importance of Transitional Care

Even though you will receive a discharge plan from your parent’s doctors, sticking to it is often problematic. In addition, you might not be sure what level of care your loved one needs. In this time of need, our in-home care services can be of significant assistance.

If you wish to help your loved one, there are several steps you can take. First, when your parent is admitted to the hospital, you can ask about their discharge plan so you can prepare on time. It is also important to ask your loved one’s doctors to make the directions as easy as possible, so that your parent doesn’t get confused. Before you take them home, make sure that all follow-up appointments are scheduled. However, keep in mind that your parent will require a high level of care you may not be able to provide. With our in-home care services, they will be able to fully recover in the comfort of their home and get back on their feet.

Ready-Set-Go Home

We understand that strictly following a discharge plan is not easy, but it is necessary. At Senior Home Care by Angels, we offer our “Ready-Set-Go Home” program, which is designed to reduce hospitalizations. Our caregivers will provide your loved one with high-quality, non-medical transitional care to ensure their safety and comfort. They can help your loved one to manage simple tasks and ensure a doctor’s discharge plan is followed.

Learn more about how our in-home care services can help you avoid hospital readmission by contacting your local Senior Home Care by Angels office today.