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5 Common Consequences of Rehospitalizations for Seniors

The stress from being readmitted to the hospital can have adverse effects on your elderly loved one and cause his or her health to worsen. However, with commitment, motivation, and a proper care plan in place, your loved one can boost his or her health after being discharged and prevent readmission.

The stress from being readmitted to the hospital can have adverse effects on your elderly loved one and cause his or her health to worsen. However, with commitment, motivation, and a proper care plan in place, your loved one can boost his or her health after being discharged and prevent readmission. Here are some of the common effects of hospital readmissions and how the consequences impact older adults.

1. Longer Recovery Times

Seniors who survive strokes, heart attacks, head traumas, and severe accidents need to work hard to speed up the recovery process. Failing to follow through with doctor visits, medication management, physical activities, and other recommendations from medical providers can lead to ineffective treatment and longer recovery times. Keep in mind that each time your loved one is readmitted, he or she could experience a major setback.

A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one closely for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable homecare 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.

2. Depression

Comforting your parent may be difficult, especially if you leave the hospital each night and he or she has to stay. Your loved one might become doubtful that his or her health will be restored, so he or she may fear going home and being sent right back to the hospital. The lingering stress could cause depression and indirectly lead to other serious health issues. Encourage your loved one to talk with a counselor while in the hospital, and make sure you develop a proper care plan your loved one can remain committed to after being discharged.

3. Lack of Independence

While your parent is in the hospital, medical and non-medical staff will do almost everything for your loved one, including medication management, meal prep, and cleaning. The lack of independence could negatively affect your loved one’s quality of life and cause his or her illness or condition to worsen. Stress the importance of following treatment plans and maintaining healthy habits that can prevent readmission.

Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those Healthy Living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Victoria, BC, 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.

4. Cognitive Decline

Hospital stays can lead to inactivity, increasing the risk of cognition problems such as memory loss. Seniors need to maintain brain stimulation, but if they’re readmitted to the hospital, their social lives and cognitive exercises could be placed on hold, and they could lose some of their sensory stimulation. The lack of focus, memory loss, and poor thinking skills could mean that once your parent is rereleased from the hospital, he or she might have difficulty taking care of him or herself and require specialized care.

5. Decreased Privacy

Family and friends of other people in the hospital will visit throughout the day, and your loved one won’t be able to control these visits. In addition to visitors, various doctors, nurses, counselors, other hospital staff, and volunteers will walk through the hallways of the hospital during the day and night. The hospital staff assisting with your loved one’s care will come in frequently to check his or her vitals, serve meals, and administer medication. The lack of privacy could cause your loved one to become agitated and increase the risk of combative behavior.

A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Victoria homecare 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. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (250) 592-4881 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.