Memory Loss, Post-Discharge Care, and the Risk of Readmissions

If you’ve never heard about the term, ‘hospital readmissions,’ it essentially refers to any time somebody is readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of their discharge. The federal government has been placing increased pressure on hospitals across the country to reduce these rates. This has led to an increased reliance and value on home care services.

Homecare in South Jordan UT: Risk of Readmissions

There are numerous reasons why a person could be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days.

There may be unforeseen complications. However, most likely these readmissions are the result of a lack of support, an inability to understand what’s required of them (the patients) upon discharge, or not fully appreciating the value of nurses, physical therapists, and other professionals coming to their home.

Certain pre-existing conditions can also complicate recovery.

One of those is dementia. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia and the most significant symptom of this disease happens to be memory loss. If a senior has been diagnosed with any type of dementia and was hospitalized, memory loss could be a problem in keeping up with medications, exercises, physical therapy, appointments, and more.

Having a family member, neighbor, or friend helping out is fine, but consistency is one of the most important components of exceptional after discharge care.

Home care agencies provide valuable resources for these individuals.

Many caregivers who work for home care agencies have prior experience supporting seniors and disabled adults during recovery and moving onward with their life. They help to provide a safe environment at home by evaluating the rooms and making recommendations for certain changes, which could include installing grab bars in the tub or shower, a shower seat, bringing items in the kitchen cupboards down within reach, and even moving a bedroom from an upstairs part of the house to the main level.

As far as keeping up with doctor recommendations, exercises, physical therapy, medications, and so on, relying on a team of physical therapists, visiting nurses, home care aides, and more can be one of the most powerful ways to increase the chances of full recovery (or at least as full as a doctor would expect) and helping that senior avoid a readmission.

What happens if a senior has to be readmitted?

It’s not a good thing. In many cases, a person in their 70s, 80s, or 90s who has to be readmitted within 30 days of their discharge from the hospital may face an even longer recovery or even more dire circumstances.

Home care support is one of the most fundamental keys to reducing these hospital readmissions and when somebody is suffering from memory loss, that support becomes so much more important.

Are you or a loved one considering hiring Homecare in South Jordan, UT? Please talk to the friendly staff at December Rose Senior Care at Home. Providing Home Care in Highland, Utah and Surrounding Communities. 801-427-ROSE (7673)