Certain medical conditions can raise the likelihood of hospital readmission within 30 days. When your senior loved one receives appropriate discharge education and sees the physician for post-discharge follow-up visits, 30-day readmission may be less likely. Here are some reasons seniors may get readmitted to the hospital within 30 days.
1. Incision Problems
If your aging loved one had surgery, make sure he or she gets a surgical wound care sheet from the nurse before discharge. If you have any questions about proper care of your loved one’s incision, make sure to get clarity before he or she leaves the hospital. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased warmth, redness, bleeding, or drainage at the wound site as well as fever, chills, muscle pain, and loss of appetite. In addition to infection, wound separation can also occur, and if it isn’t recognized and treated quickly, a life-threatening infection may occur.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Barrie homecare service 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.
2. Eye Surgery
If your loved one had eye surgery for cataract removal or glaucoma, he or she may still have blurred vision after being discharged from the hospital. As a result, he or she may be at risk for an accident or injury in the home. If your loved one has vision impairment after eye surgery, don’t leave him or her alone.
3. Syncope
Syncope is typically related to poor cerebral blood flow. It refers to the loss of consciousness and is also known as fainting. It can happen to those with low blood pressure because, during a hypotensive episode, hypoxia can occur. Hypoxia means not enough oxygen is being pumped to the brain. If your loved one had an episode of syncope, chances are he or she will have future episodes and require hospital readmission within 30 days. Until the exact cause of syncope is diagnosed, episodes may occur frequently. Syncopal episodes may also be caused by dehydration, extreme fear, severe pain, standing up for extended periods, cardiac arrhythmia, and blood vessel abnormalities.
A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one’s safety and comfort at home. 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 live-in care Barrie, ON, 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. Influenza
Influenza, or flu, can be life-threatening for seniors. Even with proper treatment, influenza can cause crashing fatigue for weeks or even months. Because of antibiotic resistance, the infection may return despite a full course of oral or intravenous antibiotics, necessitating another visit to the hospital. If your loved one is recovering from the flu, monitor him or her for changes in condition, such as recurrent fevers, hacking or productive cough, shaking, poor urinary output, and fatigue.
5. Lack of Follow-Up Medical Care
After hospital discharge, it’s important for your loved one to see the doctor for follow-up appointments. Doing so helps the doctor identify and treat minor health issues before they escalate into major problems. If your loved one fails to get proper follow-up care, he or she may be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge.
6. Psychiatric Disorders
Seniors who have psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia have a higher risk of being readmitted to the hospital. Failing to take prescribed psychotropic medications may lead to a mental health event that requires hospitalization. Combative behaviors and aggression may also send seniors back to the hospital, as might serious side effects from new antipsychotic drugs.
When searching for reliable elderly home care 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. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at 647-970-3803 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.