Recovering in the comfort of home is the preference of many seniors, so they often pass on staying at rehabilitation centers and nursing homes after being released from the hospital. With a proper care plan, remaining at home can be a great option that raises a senior’s odds of successful recovery. Below are some of the things you can do as a family caregiver to help your aging Loved one recover and reduce his or her risk of being readmitted to the hospital.
Follow Up
One of the top causes of readmissions among older adults is congestive heart failure. Seniors who have been treated for heart failure need to visit their doctors within the first seven days of being released. During this follow-up appointment, your loved one can tell the doctor how he or she feels and provide details about the effects of medications and therapy. If the treatment isn’t working, your loved one’s doctor can change it immediately, preventing the condition from worsening. When developing a care plan with your siblings and other family members, make sure it includes providing transportation to and from doctor appointments and therapy sessions.
A professional caregiver can provide transportation and monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable home care service agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.
Get the Rest of the Family Involved in the Recovery Process
Having more people help with recovery could enhance your loved one’s healing process and prevent readmission. The type of injury, illness, or condition your loved one is recovering from will determine the kind of care he or she needs. For instance, seniors who have broken their hips, knees, or legs may require around-the-clock supervision, while those healing from pneumonia might need part-time assistance with basic tasks, including medication reminders, errands, meal prep, and light household chores. Ask your family to step up and take on more responsibilities. You should also consider using respite care during the first month or two of the recovery process.
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 Dallas, 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.
Increase Communication
Seniors often have better recovery outcomes when they have strong communication with their caregivers. If your loved one has hearing loss, vision impairment, difficulty speaking, and other special needs, simplify communication to speed the healing process and boost his or her quality of life. You can increase communication by offering your loved one multiple ways to express his or her thoughts, needs, and feelings. For example, if your loved one has had a stroke, purchase photo cards and communication boards so he or she can let you know if he or she is in pain, has to use the restroom, or is hungry.
Use At-Home Medical Devices
Monitoring your loved one’s heart rate and glucose levels could prevent readmission to the hospital. Many seniors have medical devices at home, but those individuals who don’t have the tools they need should contact their insurance providers before being discharged. Their policies may cover the costs of medical devices such as canes, wheelchairs, diabetic monitoring systems, and more. If the doctor requires your loved one to have any of these tools as well as at-home care, your loved one’s insurance provider may cover the costs.
Dallas senior care experts 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. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (214) 363-3400 .
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