While most hospital readmissions are medically necessary, they can have a number of negative effects. Being rehospitalized is more likely to adversely affect elderly people and individuals with multiple health conditions. Here are some of the most common effects of hospital readmissions.
Disruptions in Sleep Patterns
The hustle and bustle of a hospital isn’t conducive to restful sleep. Having to take medications and submit to multiple medical tests can prevent an aging adult from sleeping well. In addition, going in and out of the hospital can impact circadian rhythm, leading to blood pressure problems, elevated blood glucose levels, anxiety, and depression.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Reston home care 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.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Your loved one may not be used to hospital food, or he or she may develop a hospital-acquired bacterial infection that affects the gastrointestinal system. In addition, people who are readmitted to the hospital are often treated with antibiotics, which can cause side effects such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If not recognized and treated, gastrointestinal problems can lead to malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and weakness.
A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable elder 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.
Financial Concerns
If your loved one doesn’t have health insurance or hasn’t met his or her insurance deductible, he or she may be responsible for large hospital bills, which can cause a worrisome financial burden. When older adults have to worry about hospital bills and other financial concerns, they’re unable to focus on getting better.
If your loved one becomes upset at the thought of mounting medical bills as a result of multiple hospital readmissions, speak to a representative in the hospital’s business office. Your parent can make arrangements to set up a plan for paying off the hospital bills in easy-to-manage monthly installments in accordance with his or her budget. It’s also important to note that if your loved one is a military veteran, hospitalization in a VA hospital may be free or cost very little. A copayment at some VA hospitals may be necessary for some services, but not for all.
Communicable Disease Risk
Not all people are vaccinated against communicable diseases. In addition, people are hospitalized for conditions such as tuberculosis, measles, and whooping cough, which are airborne diseases and can be easily transmitted to those with suppressed immune systems, the elderly, and people with multiple health issues.
While hospitals do everything they can to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases, it’s not always avoidable. If you believe your loved one may be susceptible to communicable diseases, ask the doctor if a hospital readmission is worth the risk. For high-risk seniors, medical treatments such as intravenous antibiotic therapy can sometimes be administered at home so they don’t have to be exposed to hospital environments.
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 in-home care Reston, VA, 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 home caregiver. Call Assisting Hands Home Care today at 703-556-8983 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
