For seniors, leaving the hospital can feel like the end of the road, but it’s often just the beginning of the most important part of their recovery. What happens in the days and weeks after they leave the hospital has a big impact on whether they really get better or end up back in the emergency room. Follow-up visits and following the doctor’s advice are not optional. For older people, they can mean the difference between getting better and getting worse. The good news is that post-hospital care providers can help keep them on the right track.
Getting Past the First 30 Days
Doctors refer to the time immediately following a hospital stay as the “post-acute phase,” and they have valid reasons for this. During this time, seniors are more likely to have problems, make mistakes with their medications, and have to go back to the hospital. Research shows that almost one in five Medicare patients goes back to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged. Many of these readmissions could have been avoided with the right support on their side.
For instance, post-hospital care providers make sure that seniors make it to their follow-up appointments. This is key, as doctors can better evaluate how they are healing, make necessary changes to their medication, and detect signs that something isn’t right when seniors attend these appointments. On the other hand, if the visits are missed, even once, the body may not be able to make up for the lack of care on its own, especially in the older years. As a result, a return trip to the hospital might be in order.
Medications Management Is Essential in Post-Hospital Care
When seniors are discharged from the hospital, they often return home with new medications or changes to their current prescriptions. Unfortunately, it can be hard for them to remember those changes and additions as they try to get settled in. Not only that, but during follow-up visits things may change again, especially if they are having side effects or the doctor is simply trying to dial in what is truly needed.
Post-hospital care providers offer the support they need to get their medications organized and keep track of any side effects so that the right information is given to the medical team at the follow-up appointment. In addition, they can attend the appointment and apply any updates that are recommended.
Post-Hospital Care Helps Seniors Stay on Track
Structured post-hospital care, like home health services, rehabilitation facilities, or care coordination programs, is key for successful recovery and continued care after discharge. Beyond the things already mentioned, care providers can:
- Help seniors get ready for follow-up appointments
- Transport them to appointments
- Ensure they’re getting the right nutrients and staying hydrated to sustain their recovery
- Encourage seniors to talk with their healthcare team about concerns
- Ensure prescriptions are picked up from the pharmacy
- Double-check for possible interactions
The health journey doesn’t end when the senior leaves the hospital, which is why they need just as much care and attention as before they were admitted. Post-hospital care provides the support they need to stay on track and reach their recovery goals with ease.
If you or an aging loved one are considering post-hospital care in Warren, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
Sources:
https://www.washingtoninternalmedicine.com/blog/the-importance-of-hospital-follow-up-ensuring-continued-care-and-recovery
https://east.optum.com/blog/why-you-should-follow-up-with-your-doctor/
https://www.nahealth.com/importance-follow-visits-after-getting-discharged-hospital/
