A trip to the hospital is never enjoyable for seniors or their families. While it may be necessary for seniors to stay in a hospital for care during a health crisis, it’s always best to minimize repeat visits whenever possible. Most readmissions are caused by preventable reasons that place seniors at risk for new issues that arise with each trip they make to the hospital.
Increased Isolation
Seniors who are able to recover at home are more likely to receive visits from their family and friends. Many hospitals are located some distance away from seniors’ homes, which makes it difficult to have friendly neighbors drop by for visits. The hospital’s visiting hours may also make it difficult for family members who work or care for other people to visit. Isolation is one reason some seniors report feeling depressed while in the hospital.
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.
Diminished Sleep Quality
A bustling hospital is hardly the place where a person can get much sleep. Some seniors find it challenging to rest when nurses keep dropping in to check their vital signs. Seniors who must share a room may also be awakened by their roommate’s health concerns.
There’s also the tendency for hospitals to be brightly lit during the night hours for safety purposes, and many monitoring machines make constant beeps and have flashing lights. When all these factors are combined, seniors tend to lose sleep until they get home. Since rest is important for the body to be able to recover, staying at home allows seniors the benefit of being in their optimal sleep environment.
Worsened Conditions
A senior’s health tends to get worse with each new trip to the hospital. Seniors are exposed to new germs during each hospital admission. They may be exposed to microbes by nurses, others who have been admitted, and members of the hospital staff. While a hospital room may look clean, it’s always possible to pick up bacteria from a dirty surface that wasn’t cleaned properly.
A professional in-home caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for infections. When searching for reliable Fair Oaks elderly home care 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.
Reduced Morale
Recovering from an illness or injury can deplete a senior’s mental and emotional reserves. Seniors who dislike being in the hospital will naturally experience some sadness during readmissions, which could cause them to give up on trying to get better. They may stop eating and taking their medication. Some seniors even refuse to participate in their therapy sessions.
Making sure seniors stay at home with the help of caregivers can keep their spirits up. Professional caregivers even serve as motivators who provide compassionate encouragement that helps seniors want to get better.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Fair Oaks, CA, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. If you need professional care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663.