Today in the U.S., one in five seniors experience hospital readmissions within 30 days of being discharged from an initial hospital stay. The cost to Medicare: $15 billion per year. The cost to the senior: the increased risks of infection, disorientation, and depression.
Looking on the brighter side, 80% of seniors are not readmitted after an initial hospital stay. As a result, these fortunate seniors not only aren’t going back into the hospital, but they’re also recovering quicker.
Let’s look at the three major reasons seniors can stay home safely after the hospital.
1. Technology
Seniors returning home can have sensor technology installed and put on wearables. These generate real-time data so action can be taken as needed. These devices include glucometers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and blood pressure monitors, which are invaluable in transmitting data to caregivers and alerting them if there are abnormal readings.
Today’s most commonly collected data includes weight, vital signs, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electrocardiogram (ECG), blood sugar, body temperature, oxygen levels, and sleep pattern information.
By having access to real-time data, health care providers can manage resources and dispatch emergency personnel or nurses when needed. In addition, by acting immediately – before a situation becomes acute – hospital readmissions can be avoided or reduced.
2. Home Health Care
In addition to wearables that look like something out of Star Wars, the human touch is vital when a senior gets home. Personal observation of the senior at home and regularly speaking with the aging adult concerning how they’re feeling allows home care aides to relay pertinent information to the senior’s healthcare team and family.
Studies have shown 40% of senior hospital patients didn’t understand the reason for their hospital stay. Over 50% couldn’t recall the details of their follow-up appointments. Home care ensures that instructions the hospital and doctor gave the senior upon discharge will be accurately followed.
These are just a few of the many services provided by a home care agency for a senior just home from the hospital.
3. Improved Transitional Care
Quality transitional care is significantly decreasing hospital readmissions. Transitional care may include:
- Skilled, restorative, or rehabilitative care
- Physical therapy
- Nutritional counseling and dietary planning
- Fall prevention
- And more
Research has uncovered that hospital patients who were referred to an exercise program and received both a follow-up telephone call and home care were 3.6 times less likely to have an unplanned readmission 28 days following discharge than patients who received no transitional care.
The insured and trained home health aides at First In Care have been providing exceptional home care services to seniors throughout the greater Bradenton area for over 10 years. Let us provide you or your loved one with the care needed during the transition from hospital to home. Give us a call today at 941-269-3428 and schedule your free consultation.
