How to Lower Hospital Readmissions through Education

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Tips for Utilizing Education to Reduce Rehospitalizations in Lincoln, CA

Education is a powerful tool that solves many problems in the world, and it’s now being recognized as one of the most effective ways to lower hospital readmission rates. Seniors in hospitals should never have to return to the medical facilities for preventable issues that arise after discharge. These strategies are just a few of the ways you can use education to lower hospital readmission risks for your aging loved one. 

Have a Backup Person Listen to Instructions

Seniors and their families are often exhausted by the time of discharge. Between the lack of sleep people experience in the hospital and issues such as medication side effects, it’s easy for older adults to get confused. If possible, arrange for someone close to your family who hasn’t been there the whole time to be present and listen to the discharge instructions. Having a fresh mind makes this person more likely to pick up on information you or your loved one might have missed. If you’ve hired a home caregiver for your loved one, he or she is perfect for this role, since the caregiver will be helping out with your parent’s care.

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 Lincoln, California, 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.

Attend Recommended Support Group Lessons

Some hospitals are putting together group lessons offering people whose loved ones have similar diagnoses the chance to find support while learning about their loved ones’ needs. For instance, you might attend a support group to find out more about how your loved one’s care needs might change as he or she undergoes cancer treatment or recovers from a stroke. 

Seek Multiple Formats for Discharge Information

Discharge instructions used to be provided verbally or written down on a sheet. While these are still popular ways to convey discharge information, you may also request other types of formats to make them even clearer. For instance, you can ask that a nurse walk you through a hands-on demonstration of how to help your loved one manage personal hygiene to keep a wound from getting wet. You can also ask to watch videos or be referred to audio instructions in many cases.

A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, reducing the chance of readmission. When searching for reliable home care service agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones 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.

Communicate Across All Channels

Education should extend to anyone involved with your loved one’s care. Make sure to distribute educational materials to other family members and caregivers. You can also invite a sibling to join you at a support group meeting or watch an informative video with you. This way, everyone understands exactly what needs to be done and the importance of doing it correctly. 

Follow Up throughout the First Month of Recovery

Hospitals are also doing more to reach out to seniors and their families during the first month after aging adults leave the hospital. Make a list of your questions and keep them handy for those follow-up phone calls. You should also make sure to take your loved one to follow-up appointments, which provide another opportunity to get educated about how his or her care needs will change as recovery progresses. 

Lincoln at-home care 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. Call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.

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