What Are Hospital Readmission Rates and How Can You Help Dad Avoid Them?
Elder Care in Skokie IL
Few people have ever been exposed to the term ‘hospital readmission rate.’ That’s not a big deal, but is it really all that important? Yes, it can be. In fact, if a person has heard about hospital readmissions but doesn’t do anything to improve the chances they make a full and healthy recovery, they could become another statistic.
The federal government has been placing more and more pressure on hospitals across the country to reduce their readmission rates. Technically, anytime somebody is readmitted within 30 days of their discharge, that is considered a readmission.
There could be many reasons for a readmission, including complications, other health issues, or a recovery that is not going as well as hoped or planned. In some cases, people don’t have access to the right support services, information, or understanding about how important it is to exercise, change their diet, take certain prescription medications, and go to follow up doctors’ appointments.
If you’re worried about your elderly father and want him to avoid a readmission, here are some things you can do to assist.
Offer encouragement.
Depending in your father’s age, physical abilities, health issues, and more, he may have difficulty being encouraged. He may be more prone to depression, has to give up certain activities he used to enjoy, and may not see value in pushing through physical therapy, changing his diet, or doing other things that improve his recovery chances.
If you offer encouragement, keep him focused on things he would still like to do, it can help him push through this recovery.
Find the right support.
Hiring an experienced home care aide is the best option for any senior. When you can convince your father that hiring a home care aide is a great idea, it increases the chances he makes a healthy recovery.
Discuss the benefits of home care aides.
You might be close enough to be a family caregiver, but experience can make a world of difference when it comes to recovery. Home care aides, especially those who work for agencies, have a lot of experience working with other elderly clients following a hospitalization.
They may be able to point out expectations, safety issues, common challenges, and even provide insight into what other seniors may be dealing with in similar circumstances.
Follow doctor’s instructions.
Your father should follow his doctor’s instructions as closely as possible. The closer he sticks to these instructions, doing what is expected of him, the greater the chances are that he recovers and avoids having to go back to the hospital for a readmission.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Skokie, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
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