Older people with chronic health problems are frequently required to transition between home and hospital in dealing with their health condition. Frequent hospital visits and admissions during every episode of illness can be very stressful to both the senior patient and the family.
Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the risks that remain after getting discharged from a hospital. When a senior is finally discharged after a long hospitalization, this does not mean that they are completely recovered to good health. The first several days after being discharged are vital to a patient’s recovery, especially with the elderly who need constant care and assistance to avoid complications that may lead to further hospitalization.
In situations like this, a reliable senior transitioning care service is needed to ease the load of transitioning your senior loved one from the hospital to your home in a safe and timely manner. This also avoids the probability of readmission due to inadequate after-hospitalization care and other senior care issues.
New Wave Home Care encompasses a range of personalized senior transitioning care plans to help your senior loved one on their way to recovery. The services include transportation, in-home care, follow-up care so your senior patient doesn’t miss any doctor appointment, as well as other assistance to help make your senior member safe and comfortable.
How do you know if you need Senior Transitioning Care?
At least 2 out of 5 seniors are readmitted to the hospital only within a month of being discharged. This is because hospital care posts a huge difference when it comes to patient care. During the transition, medications may not be properly taken and doctor appointments may not be made. These important routines play a crucial role in a senior patient’s recovery.
After being discharged, a patient’s safety may be compromised because:
- The patient might be experiencing stress during the transition.
- The primary caregiver lacks the knowledge of the specific care needed by the senior patient.
- Medication might not be administered properly and medical tools were improperly used due to lack of skills and training.
- The condition of the home is unsuitable for a senior in need of day to day supportive care.
According to studies, high-quality post-discharge care is one critical part of the recovery process of a patient from long-term treatment. It not only determines the speed of recovery but also reduces the chances of readmission when administered properly.
Having a reliable senior transitioning care plan draws a positive impact on the physical and mental well-being of older adults suffering from chronic conditions, as they receive expert care even outside medical premises.
Ensuring Recovery through Senior Transitioning Care
High-quality senior transitioning care services are important for older patients especially with those who have multiple chronic conditions. Senior patients with such conditions typically undergo complex therapeutic regimens and move frequently to receive care from various providers. This makes it difficult not only for the elderly patients but as well as to the caregivers.
When senior patients are about to be discharged, their health care plan may include tailored support services that cater to older people. This allows them to continue to recuperate from their home while long-term care is arranged appropriately.
Finding a Good Transition Care for a Senior Loved One
As senior patients transition from hospital care under acute care settings to the recovery stage at home, they are particularly vulnerable to post-care errors received from a variety of healthcare providers.
Transitional care services are designed to align appropriate collaboration, communication, and professional care between various health care settings that are required for patients to move successfully toward recovery. Thus, selecting a good provider for senior transitioning care is necessary for any patient’s recovery.
Here are some points that you must check when hiring any transitional care service to work for you:
1. Ensure that the health service provider is insured and has a valid license.
2. Check the ratings and reviews from past clients to ensure that they are equipped to manage transitional care effectively.
3. They must offer a wide range of senior health care services.
4. The transitional care provider must have an extensive network of post-acute care setting providers.
5. Providers must at-least provide these transitional care services:
- Must provide transport care for patients to drive them to and from the hospital or rehab to home and vice versa.
- Ensure prescriptions are picked up and that your senior loved one takes them on time.
- Offers in-home care and other assistance such as fulfilling errands and other daily home and personal activities when needed.
- Helps safeguard your loved one from possible mishaps at home by ensuring their surroundings are safe for their recovery.
With the rising need for transitional care in helping improve the lives of the senior community, there are a lot of service providers today that you can find that promise exceptional care for your loved ones. However, always choose the ones that you can trust.
If your senior loved one is about to be discharged from the hospital and you feel the need for support to help them in their recovery, New Wave Home Care is all about facilitating the safe and easy transition for your loved ones as they are on their way to recover back to health at the comfort of their home.