Recovery following a hospitalization can take a long time. It’s going to most likely take longer for a person in their 70s or 80s compared to somebody in their 20s or 30s. Recovery is not guaranteed, though. Many people assume that once they’re discharged from the hospital, that’s it, recovery is going to happen and it’s only a matter of whether it’s slow or fast. In-home care services are valuable services to consider in times like these.
In truth, complications can arise. Also, people can take a hands-off approach to the recovery, to the point when they have to be readmitted to the hospital once again.
What is hospital readmission?
Technically, the federal government considers readmissions if they occur within 30 days of discharge. The more important point for us to understand, though, is that when a person is readmitted to the hospital, that could mean recovery will take even longer. It can also mean a much more serious health emergency is on hand.
Just consider pneumonia, for example. If an elderly person is discharged following a bout with pneumonia, they still have to take it easy. Why would that be? Because the virus or bacteria that cause the pneumonia is still in their system.
Just because they are discharged and sent home doesn’t mean they are completely healthy yet. Suppose they have to be readmitted due to pneumonia. In that case, it means the virus or bacteria may now be immune to the antibiotics used, can be much more difficult to eradicate, and lead to an even more serious health emergency in life threat.
That’s why seniors and others should be clear on what to expect during recovery. Not only should they understand what to expect, but they should be very clear on what is expected of them.
When do they get this information?
Before they are discharged, their doctor will talk about their health issue, the emergency that landed them in the hospital, and what the next few weeks or months will look like. If physical therapy is recommended, they can start scheduling appointments or help them with that process.
Administrators may also provide information in the form of a packet or sheets of paper outlining what they should be doing each day, the prescription medications they should be taking and when, and any exercises they should practice or if they should be resting completely.
Before an elderly person is discharged from the hospital, they should have all of the information necessary to maximize their chances of recovery and get back to as close to 100 percent as possible. If they don’t get this information or are confused about it, they should not leave the hospital until they’re clear and have the information at their disposal.
Recovery is not guaranteed for anyone. It usually requires effort on the part of the person hospitalized. For seniors, getting the right support at home is crucial to the recovery process and that’s why in-home care is so important. Never overlook in-home care through an agency to help seniors navigate the recovery weeks or months ahead so they can get back to full health, or as close to it as possible.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in Atoka TN please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (901) 300-8576
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Lakeland, Hernando, Olive Branch, Arlington, Atoka, Southaven, Bartlett, Marion, Shelby County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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