How to Prevent Readmission: Best Practices for Seniors After a Hospital Stay
Hospital readmissions can be distressing and expensive for seniors and their families. Seniors are frequently vulnerable to issues following a hospital stay, requiring additional medical attention. However, with proper planning and attention to post-hospital care, many of these readmissions can be avoided.
Carefully Follow Discharge Instructions
The first step in preventing readmission is to thoroughly understand and adhere to the discharge instructions offered by the healthcare staff. These instructions usually include important information about medications, follow-up appointments, and restrictions on physical activity. Seniors and their family members must carefully consider these instructions and ask clarifying questions for the best results. Misunderstandings or failure to follow these instructions can result in difficulties and an increased likelihood of returning to the hospital. Having professionals in the home, such as home health care, can make sure the post-hospital care plan is followed appropriately and eliminate stress and concern for seniors and their families.
Medication Management
Proper medication management is critical to preventing readmission. Seniors frequently leave the hospital with many prescriptions, and uncertainty about when and how to take them might result in negative consequences or treatment failure. This is another area where home care can help, ensuring seniors and their families understand the medication plan and offering recommendations on how to set up a routine, reminders, and more. Skilled nursing as part of the post-hospital care plan can also help seniors and their loved ones know what side effects to look for and when to call for help.
Follow-up Meetings and Monitoring
Following discharge from the hospital, it is important to attend regular follow-up appointments to detect any potential health issues early. These appointments could include visits to the primary care physician, specialists, or physical therapists. Regular monitoring of vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels, can help find health problems before they worsen into significant ones. Skilled nursing can help with those tasks as well, while home care can offer transportation assistance if seniors don’t drive and family members aren’t able to transport them.
Promote Proper Nutrition and Hydration
Good nutrition is essential for post-hospitalization recovery. Seniors who do not eat well or stay hydrated
are more likely to develop complications such as infections, physical weakness, and malnutrition, all of which can result in readmission. When home care is part of the post-hospital care plan, seniors are sure to eat a well-balanced diet that addresses their individual health needs. In addition, seniors should drink enough fluids, especially after being hospitalized for dehydration. Hydration can help prevent urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and other complications that could lead to hospital readmissions.
Home Safety and Fall Prevention
Falls are a major issue for seniors following hospitalization, and they can cause significant injuries that could lead to another hospital stay. Home care can offer recommendations as part of the discharge plan to ensure the home is ready, such as removing clutter and tripping hazards, and installing grab bars in the bathroom.
Preventing hospital readmissions for seniors is a joint effort of home care, family members, and seniors themselves. By following the tips above and the post-hospital care plan, the risk of readmissions can be decreased dramatically.