A Guide To Your Loved One's Safe Transition Home From Hospital
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When a doctor admits your loved one to a hospital or facility it’s often a traumatic experience, whether you were expecting it or not. And, as a family caregiver, it’s unlikely that you’re thinking too far ahead. Just get through one day at a time, right? However, while an aging adult is still in the hospital or rehabilitation facility, it’s important to begin preparations for the time your loved one will return home. That’s because a smooth transition home is vital to a successful recovery. Consider this:
- An estimated 15.7% of Medicare patients discharged from the hospital are readmitted within 30 days of discharge, according to MedPAC.
- The cost of readmissions to the health care system is substantial, accounting for an estimated $26 billion in spending annually by Medicare.
- The average cost of readmission was higher than the average cost of an initial inpatient admission for all types of payers including 5% higher for those covered by Medicare.
One chronic condition that often sends older adults back to the hospital is heart issues. In fact, approximately 30 to 40% of patients with heart failure are readmitted within six months of hospitalization. Many issues factor into why older adults are vulnerable to problems at home after they have been in a hospital or rehabilitation setting. One of the reasons we have so many readmissions over the age of 65 is because individuals are sent home unprepared, are unable to follow or understand discharge instruction or there is not the availability of a family caregiver to give adequate support at home – which puts them at risk.” said Lakelyn Hogan, Ph.D., Gerontologist. “The key issues that are sending older adults back to the hospital are medication problems, falls in the home and not following up with the doctor,” Hogan said. Add to that list home safety issues, nutrition and hydration challenges. These overwhelming responsibilities for the primary family caregiver, the individual and their families can mean a difficult road ahead.
Planning during a crisis is never as effective as being prepared in advance. Preparation is your best strategy for avoiding the many pitfalls that can sabotage your loved one’s health and well-being when he or she goes home. This Returning Home Guide is designed to help prepare your loved one for a safe and successful transition home – one that will give your senior the best chance to stay at home.
We encourage you to download our Complete Returning to Home Guide by clicking this link. When you are ready, please call us at Home Instead Edmonton (780) 439-9990 or use our contact form here. We are here to support your efforts to ensure a smooth transition back home where your loved one belongs.