After your loved one is released from the hospital, you will have a lot of questions about how to protect them as they recuperate.
Their medical care team will provide specific instructions for rehabilitative care or aftercare at home.
This may include medication regimens, following a specific diet, getting some level of physical activity each day, and getting enough rest.
They may also have physical or occupational therapy, and may need to make modifications or adjustments to how they perform certain daily tasks like bathing and dressing.
All of that can be hard for someone to manage alone, especially if they are elderly. You can significantly improve your loved one’s recovery by providing assistance and hiring a professional for in-home care in Southern Arizona.
Here is a closer look at how in-home care can reduce the risk of hospital readmission.
Improved Medication Adherence
After surgery or a serious illness, your loved one may have a number of medications to take. These may require specific dosages at specific times.
They may also have to take care about taking other medications or supplements at the same time, or may need to take some medications with meals and some without.
All of this can be hard to keep straight, and many elderly people have trouble remembering exactly what to take and when.
Unfortunately, missing doses or doubling up on doses can cause problems. A home caregiver can provide medication reminders or medication management, helping your loved one comply with their regimen. They can also lower the risk of overdose or mistakes.
Mobility Assistance and Fall Prevention
If the medications your loved one is taking affect their blood pressure, sleep routine, energy levels, or coordination, they may have problems walking or maintaining their balance.
This could result in a dangerous fall that lands them back in the hospital. A caregiver will offer mobility assistance and some can even provide guidance with assistive devices or mobility aides.
They can also help your loved one adhere to their rehabilitation program, which may require daily exercise.
Lower Risk of Complications
A huge benefit of having a caregiver provide mobility assistance and medication management is that it can significantly reduce your loved one’s risk of post-surgical or post-illness complications.
Depending on why your loved one was in the hospital, they could face challenges during recovery like swelling, edema, dizziness, blood clot, infection, sepsis, pulled stitches, or stroke.
Having someone with them who can look out for warning signs and help them stick with their care plan can improve their outcome.
Facilitation of Post-Care Plan
Your loved one may have a home care plan that is many pages long, and that requires careful adherence.
If they live alone, it can be hard for them to remember everything on their own, or even feel motivated to keep up.
If you hire a caregiver who is an expert in rehabilitative care, post-surgical care, or joint replacement care, they can offer specialized support.
They may be able to assist with physical therapy or rehabilitation, provide medical treatments, check vital signs, and administer medications.
All of this can improve your loved one’s chances of maintaining their home care plan.
Early Detection of Warning Signs
A caregiver can also look for early warning signs of complications or problems.
This can help your loved one get the treatment they need quickly enough that they may not need to go to the emergency room or re-enter the hospital.
Some potential complications that could occur after leaving the hospital include:
- Overdoses or missed doses of medication
- Surgical site or wound infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory problems or pneumonia
- Falls or injuries
- Blood clots or stroke
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Confusion or disorientation
- Mental health issues like depression or cognitive problems
Ongoing Support for Chronic Conditions
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic illness or medical condition, it is even more crucial that they receive professional care at home.
Family members may not be equipped to provide the level of care needed, or may not have the time.
Caregivers can provide personalized support tailored to your loved one’s specific needs, such as Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, diabetes management, cardiovascular rehabilitation, and other conditions.
Proper support can lower the risk of complications that require readmission.
Reduced Chance of Isolation or Depression
Recovering alone, especially from a severe accident, illness, or medical condition, can take a major toll on your loved one’s mental health. They could feel isolated and develop anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
They may feel angry and frustrated about their condition or their loss of independence and autonomy.
A decline in mental health can increase the chances of physical health problems, or discourage your loved one from following their care plan.
A caregiver can offer companionship, answer questions, and ensure your loved one doesn’t feel alone.
Professional and Personalized Guidance and Support
Caregivers also have extensive experience in specific areas of rehabilitative senior care.
They can provide you and your family with resources, direct you to community support agencies, and act as a bridge between you and your loved one’s medical team.
Their support can ease stress and empower you to provide greater support to your loved one during their recovery.
Respite for Family Caregivers
A professional caregiver can also offer relief for family caregivers. This can reduce the risk of caregiver burnout and prevent your loved one from feeling like a burden or drain on their family.
You and your family will be able to spend quality time with your loved one rather than solely being a caregiver.
You will also have time to manage your own physical and mental health and take care of tasks you may have been neglecting.
Call Placita In Home Care to Schedule a Consultation
At Placita In Home Care, we have a team of highly skilled, experienced, and educated home caregivers.
Each one has undergone an extensive background check and rigorous training to ensure they can offer a superior level of care and attention.
After a thorough consultation to better understand your needs, we will develop a comprehensive care plan that offers short-term or ongoing in-home support.
We will protect your loved one’s health and safety, allowing them to recover fully in the comfort of their own home.
This can lower the risk of secondary infections or post-hospital complications, and give you and your family more time to spend with your loved one.
In addition to home care, we also offer joint replacement care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, in-home hospice care, and home safety evaluations.
To schedule a consultation for in-home care in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.