Being readmitted to the hospital is never good for anyone, since it usually means the person is experiencing a complication. Falls, infections, and medication mishaps are just a few preventable reasons people are rehospitalized. Hospital readmissions tend to hit seniors the hardest, and caregivers must do what they can to protect the seniors they love from experiencing these negative effects.
Decreased Abilities
Hospitals usually require seniors to spend the majority of their time in bed. Long periods of limited movement can cause current health conditions to get worse. It’s not uncommon for seniors to need additional therapy for unrelated ailments after leaving the hospital. For example, your loved one may need to attend physical therapy to regain strength in muscles that have wasted away after being confined to a bed for an extended time.
Increased Anxiety
Seniors need to feel confident about their abilities. After experiencing an issue, such as a fall, that leads to readmission, your loved one may no longer trust him or herself or the people who are supposed to be there for support. Your loved one may begin to wonder what could happen next, which significantly cuts down on the motivation to be independent.
It’s also important to note that seniors may feel anxiety as a result of events that occur while they’re in the hospital. Being awakened throughout the night to have their vitals checked makes it difficult to sleep, and many seniors are disturbed by sounds such as the beeps commonly made by medical equipment, which can increase anxiety.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Elder 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.
Longer Periods of Isolation
Social and emotional wellness are just as important as being physically healthy. However, hospitals must do what they can to keep everyone safe. One common hospital rule that negatively affects seniors is defined visiting hours. While seniors are in the hospital, they’re less likely to be visited by friends and family. This is especially true when an older adult requires specialized care in a hospital far away from everyone he or she knows. Helping seniors recover at home means they’re more likely to enjoy having visitors stop by every day.
Higher Risk of Severe Infections
Older adults’ immune systems tend to be less likely to fight off bacteria commonly found in hospital environments. Many seniors leave the hospital with more problems than they went in with. Pneumonia, septicemia, and other types of infections can be deadly for seniors, and the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria increases with every additional day spent in a hospital environment. Since a senior’s home is less likely to harbor so many disease-causing agents, it’s better to be at home.
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, including infections. When searching for reliable Phoenix home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Assisting Hands Home Care, 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.
More Financial Challenges
Older adults today have many options for covering healthcare costs, but the rising costs for hospital stays means many seniors still have out-of-pocket fees to pay. Seniors who are hospitalized may also need to start taking new medications and stock up on supplies, all of which require cutting into their budgets.
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 at-home care Phoenix, AZ, 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 in-home caregiver. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 602-847-6549.
