Strategies to Prevent Post-Surgery Hospital Readmission
By Gary Hightower 8 am on
Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has been battling hospital readmissions by penalizing hospitals with high rates while reporting their data to the public. While these efforts have shown some success, the high rates of hospital readmissions after surgery still continue. As medical teams work to properly assess patients and develop effective discharge instructions, there are many things a senior’s family can do at home to keep their aging loved one safe during a vulnerable time.
Speak Up Before Discharge
People are often in a hurry to get home from the hospital, and physicians are often under pressure to clear out beds. This can be a dangerous combination for seniors whose health has yet to stabilize. Families should be alert for signs that recovery has taken a downturn, such as rising blood pressure or redness around an incision. If something doesn’t look right, the best time to address it is before your loved one goes home.
Understand Your Loved One’s Health Benefits
There’s so much paperwork post-surgery that families tend to be overwhelmed. Yet one thing that can be beneficial for recovery is located right in your loved one’s insurance benefits handbook. Check to see if your loved one has options available for in-home care after his or her surgery. If so, hiring a caregiver to provide assistance around the home can keep your loved one from trying to do too much too soon. At-home careexperts 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.
Reduce the Risk of Infection
Following surgery, many seniors experience a steady stream of well-meaning visitors who want to show their support. However, each one of these visitors can mean exposure to germs that could cause an infection. Try to limit visits to only close family members and caregivers until the danger of infection has passed. A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for signs of infection after he or she returns home from the hospital. 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 live-in care Arlington, TX, 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 live-in caregiver.
Don’t Neglect Nutrition
Many seniors experience nausea and fatigue after surgery that can interfere with their appetite. It may also be next to impossible for a senior to prepare meals, especially if a new medication causes dizziness. Families can reduce the possibility of hospital readmissions by making sure their loved ones have healthy meal plans each week that include all of the nutrients needed for healing. The type of homecare services Arlington, TX, seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (817) 591-1580 today.