6 Potential Impacts of Rehospitalization

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How Are Seniors Impacted by Being Readmitted to the Hospital in Lincoln, CA

When seniors are readmitted to the hospital after the first visit, it’s almost always a sign they’re having difficulty staying healthy. Although it’s important for seniors with serious health conditions to get proper medical care, spending too much time in the hospital can cause some unpleasant side effects. Hospital readmissions frequently lead to these six effects.

1. Opportunistic Infections

Hospitals do their best to maintain hygienic environments, but the high number of ill people means there may be all sorts of infectious microbes present. Seniors who have to spend more time in the hospital due to readmission are at greater risk of catching dangerous infections. When an aging adult is already in a weakened state, it can be quite difficult to recover from a problem such as a staph infection.

A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, including infections. When searching for reliable senior 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.

2. Respiratory Issues

When seniors are hooked up to IV machines, confined to a small room, or too ill to move, they may spend a lot of time in bed. Spending too much time in a prone position can let fluid and bacteria settle in the lungs, eventually leading to pneumonia and other respiratory disorders, which is a particularly concerning side effect of hospital readmissions because it can potentially be fatal.

3. Depression

Seniors who spend a lot of time in the hospital frequently have difficulty staying upbeat. When they’re frequently readmitted to the hospital, this can lead to severe bouts of depression. Caregivers may need to keep an eye out for apathy, anger, extreme sadness, insomnia, excessive sleepiness, and other signs of depression.

A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Lincoln 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.

4. Higher Medical Bills


If your loved one has already been in the hospital and just needs a little more help, you might think it will only cost a little extra. However, this isn’t actually the case. Readmissions tend to be associated with more severe health issues that require complex treatments. On average, a single hospital readmission doubles the cost of a senior’s medical bills.

5. Stress

Most seniors don’t enjoy being in the hospital, so it’s fairly common for them to feel stressed out and unhappy if they have to be readmitted multiple times. This stress can make a senior’s stay very uncomfortable. Stress can pose a serious threat to mental wellbeing, and it can also cause spikes in blood pressure that may lead to dangerous cardiac issues.

6. Circulatory Issues

As blood circulates irregularly, seniors are more likely to get blood clots that can lead to major cardiac events. Being hospitalized is even more likely to cause heart attacks and strokes if the senior needs any sort of surgical intervention while in the hospital.

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, CA, 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. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.

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