3 Signs an Aging Senior Could Be at an Increased Risk of a Hospital Readmission

How can you know if your 78-year-old father is going to be an increased risk of a readmission to the hospital? First, let’s define what a hospital readmission is.

 

Homecare in Deerfield IL: Risk of a Hospital Readmission

Homecare in Deerfield IL: Risk of a Hospital Readmission

 

If anyone is readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged, that would technically count as a readmission, according to the federal government.

The government has been placing more pressure on hospitals to reduce these rates, even fining them if they fail to do so.

While this may not directly impact patients, it does have a correlation to cost for insurance companies, premiums, and more. Also, if a person has to be readmitted, there is an increased chance of more complications, a longer and more difficult road to recovery, and a lower quality of life.

It’s not always clear whether somebody is at an increased risk of a hospital readmission, but, below are three potential signs that may indicate trouble could be on the horizon.

 

Potential Sign #1: The senior is not accepting help.

If your 78-year-old father had a stroke, heart attack, major surgery, or injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident, it’s going to be difficult for him to perform the same tasks he had taken for granted for quite a while. If he’s not accepting help from you or anyone else, he is putting himself in an unfortunate situation.

An aging senior who refuses assistance, especially when their strength and physical capabilities have been compromised essentially increase the risk of injuries and other complications as a result of a fall.

 

Potential Sign #2: He’s not understanding what was expected of him.

When the doctor left the room in the hospital after giving your father some instructions, did you follow up with your dad and ask him to repeat those instructions? It’s easy to nod one’s head and say they get it, but what if he didn’t understand and was afraid to ask questions?

If a person is confused, odds are they will not follow their doctor’s instructions as prescribed. That can lead to missed opportunities and an increased risk of a readmission.

 

Potential Sign #3: He’s refusing the medications.

There’s a reason your father’s doctor prescribed whatever medications he did. Some could be pain management, some might be for fighting an infection, and others will likely perform important functions beyond that. If your father is not taking the medications he’s been prescribed, it significantly increases the risk of complications that could land him right back in the hospital.

Not all of these can be solved with a simple statement, question, or conversation, but helping him understand the value in these things could increase the chances he follows through and does them to stay safe.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Homecare in Deerfield, IL, call the caring staff at LifeCare Home Health & In-Home Services. Call (888) 606-4199 LifeCare serves all of the Chicago Metro Area.

LifeCare Home Health & In-Home Services