What Factors Commonly Lead to Hospital Readmissions?

Certain factors can increase the risk of going back into the hospital soon after being discharged. The risk is usually higher for people who have multiple medical conditions or take several medications. Here are some factors commonly associated with hospital readmissions.

Mobility Limitations

If your senior loved one has mobility limitations after leaving the hospital, he or she may be at risk for a household accident, which could result in an injury that requires readmission. Mobility limitations are common among people who have been hospitalized for a long time or have degenerative joint disease. 

If your loved one has difficulty walking because of an unsteady gait or balance issues, don’t leave him or her alone. Always be available to assist if your loved one needs help.

When your loved one returns home, a professional caregiver can help him or her recover in safety and comfort. When searching for reliable home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Assisting Hands Home Care, 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.

Prosthetic Device Failures

Hip and knee replacement surgeries aren’t uncommon for older adults. Degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis can lead to joint damage and limited mobility. Prosthetic devices increase mobility so seniors can participate in more activities during their golden years. 

Symptoms of prosthetic device failure include pain and inflammation around the hip, knee, thigh, and groin, severe pain or popping noises when walking, and a sensation that the prosthetic device is loosening. If your loved one had knee or hip replacement surgery and is having any of the aforementioned symptoms, he or she may need to be readmitted to the hospital.

Post-Stroke Effects

If your loved one was recently discharged from the hospital after a stroke, he or she may be experiencing difficulty with coordination, balance, weakness, numbness, tingling or burning sensations, or persistent fatigue, all of which can linger long after the initial stroke and require additional hospitalizations. After being readmitted, your loved one may need to undergo brain imaging and other medical tests. Also, the physician may recommend that your loved one stay in the hospital to participate in a physical therapy regimen that may last for a month or more.

Many aging adults need assistance when they return home after being hospitalized. 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 Danville 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.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Seniors who have had traumatic brain injuries resulting from falls or motor vehicle accidents may face lifelong challenges. These challenges may result in hospital readmissions as a result of coordination problems, severe headaches, frequent nausea and vomiting, unusual behaviors such as combativeness and agitation, mood swings, or frequent episodes of depression and anxiety. 

If your loved one develops any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away. New or worsening symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may indicate cerebral swelling or bleeding inside the brain. If your loved one isn’t promptly readmitted to the hospital for diagnostic imaging tests and appropriate treatment, the prognosis may be unfavorable.

A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. The type of home care Danville seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. Call us today to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.