Health issues are more common as the years pass, sometimes requiring a hospital stay. Unfortunately, the fear of readmission after going back home is very real for many seniors. This fear can be alleviated by ensuring a thorough post hospital care plan is created that effectively manages the issues at hand, helps to relieve anxiety, and ensures seniors have the resources they need to recover and remain at home.
For family members, it’s important to understand why their loved ones might have these fears and what they can do to help.
Understanding the Fear
It is important to first understand why readmission to the hospital might be a source of worry for seniors. The anxiety surrounding readmission is a result of a number of factors, including the disturbance of regular activities, worries about setbacks in the healing process, and the burden on family caregivers.
It’s also a fear that isn’t quickly reduced with simple reassurance, which can make it even more troublesome.
Creating a Helpful Environment
To help seniors reduce their fears of readmission, loved ones must ensure open lines of communication with healthcare providers, themselves, and seniors. This includes making sure seniors are aware of their prescriptions, follow-up appointments, and any other instructions included in the post hospital care plan. Clarity reduces fear, encourages adherence to treatment plans, and reduces confusion.
In addition, seniors and their families need to take advantage of senior-specific home care services. Beyond providing customized care and peace of mind, skilled nurses can monitor health, make sure seniors get their medication on time, and provide medical care. Also, post hospital care can assist with transportation, running errands, and more.
It’s also important to increase emotional support by recruiting friends and other family members to support seniors. This support can include listening to seniors as they discuss their worries and fears or engaging in activities, such as playing games, to keep their minds off their concerns.
Putting a Comprehensive Post Hospital Care Plan Into Practice
To ensure the post hospital care plan supports healthy recovery, it should include things like the following:
- Medication Management: It’s important for seniors to understand their prescriptions, including why they’re taking certain medications. As mentioned above, skilled nursing can help seniors navigate the confusion of their medication routine.
- Nutritional Support: A healthy recovery starts with a balanced diet. Seniors should focus on eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Post hospital care can assist in creating a healthy meal plan if needed, as well as grocery shopping, preparing food, and even cooking. A healthy diet promotes immunity, aids in healing, and improves general well-being.
- Exercise and Physical Therapy: The post hospital care plan likely includes instructions for physical therapy or exercising after discharge. It’s important to ensure seniors follow through with these instructions for a full recovery.
Loved ones can help seniors feel better about their recovery and reduce fears of readmission by ensuring they have the resources they need—including home health care—after discharge and that the post hospital care plan makes sense.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Post Hospital Care in Palo Alto, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
Sources:
- https://www.americarepluspc.com/senior-care-advice/strategies-for-avoiding-hospital-readmissions/
- https://thekey.com/learning-center/how-to-reduce-hospital-readmissions-and-keep-aging-loved-ones-at-home
- https://familycaregiversonline.net/strategies-to-reduce-hospital-readmissions-among-older-adults/
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