Visiting Angels West Springfield Offers Transitional Care with Reducing Readmission Program
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Transitioning home after a hospital stay can be a difficult adjustment for seniors. With their homecoming, there are typically more responsibilities put on the senior and/or their caregiver that can cause them to be at an increased risk of another hospital trip in the near future. That’s why Visiting Angels West Springfield offers the Reducing Readmissions Transitional Care Program.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the hospital readmission rate for elders within 30 days of a visit ranges from 11% to 23% (depending on factors such as reason for the stay, socioeconomic status, and more). The majority of readmissions are preventable, but due to new factors post-hospital visit, many seniors find themselves back in very costly hospital stays all over again.
There are a few common factors that contribute to seniors having to be readmitted to the hospital, including failure to understand or remember to follow hospital discharge plans and instructions; missed follow-up appointments and doctor’s checkups; falls due to weakness, exhaustion, loss of balance, or coordination; failure to follow a nutritious meal plan; low engagement or interactions with others; and non-compliant use of prescribed medications.
With help from a Visiting Angels caregiver, many of these contributing factors can be minimized for an elderly loved one after leaving a hospital visit. Having a home health aide in the home can help provide the structure and attention necessary for a senior to recuperate and avoid readmission.
During the initial consultation, a client care coordinator will take into account the senior’s hospital discharge instructions and work with their family to create a personalized care plan. A personal caregiver will intentionally follow the plan to maximize rehabilitation and recovery, making sure to keep a consistent medication schedule, help the resident navigate around the home to prevent slips and falls, prepare nutritious meals, ensure attendance at follow-up appointments, provide companionship, and more.