Hospital discharge is a key transition time—and while you may be anxious to return home, flaws in the process can lead to a quick return. Within 90 days of discharge, about 35% of Medicare recipients are readmitted to the hospital.
Studies indicate the primary causes of readmission are poor communications and lack of follow up care. This leads to issues such as improper use of medication, reoccurrence of the illness, infection, falls and related problems during this vulnerable time. Studies have shown that individuals living alone without home care services are much more likely to be readmitted than those who receive proper follow-up services, such as home health care.
It is important to have a complete picture of what might be needed after discharge. Because a patient if often weak after time in the hospital and may be on new medications or recovering from surgery, it may be difficult to safely participate in normal household activities. The initial period is most critical and is the time when patients often have difficulty. This is whay being discharged on weekends or holidays can be especially difficult, if after-care services or normal support will be unavailable or delayed. To help ensure a safe return home, use our Discharge Planning checklist.
EasyLiving can help with our Transitions of Care Program. Contact us or read more about our 1st 24 hours homecare program-helping with Pinellas County home care needs during this vital period after discharge.
Here are some specific ways EasyLiving home care helps during the discharge process:
• Assistance getting home safely on the day of discharge. Even if a family member is planning to bring you home, it may help to have a professional caregiver to physically help with lifting or to stay with you while your loved one goes out to pick up medications, food, etc.
• Help getting settled at home: cleaning your refrigerator of out of date food, purchasing groceries, picking up prescriptions or equipment, preparing a meal.
• Physical assistance and fall prevention: trained home health aides know how to lift you, assist with transferring from bed to bathroom, and keep you safe when weak.
• Keeping on a medication or treatment schedule, reminding you of follow-up such as appointments or follow up steps you should take. Medication management is especially important after a hospitalization.
• Transportation to follow up appointments and physical assistance getting to treatment or therapy, when needed.
• Help following exercises or instructions given by Medicare home health therapists and providers.
Contact us today for help with discharge transitions or any Pinellas County, Florida home care needs. EasyLiving has been advocating for Clearwater seniors for many years and believes in providing the affordable, quality home healthcare that you need to stay safe, healthy and happy.
