The rise in hospital readmissions among seniors may be related to early discharge, lack of education prior to discharge, or the presence of comorbid or complicated medical conditions. If your aging loved one has certain risk factors or illnesses, his or her chances of hospital readmission may be high. Here are some of the most common diagnoses for hospital readmissions among seniors.
Septicemia
Also known as blood poisoning, septicemia is a life-threatening systemic infection that occurs as a result of a bacterial infection in one part of the body that has spread. Infections commonly linked to septicemia include those of the skin and lungs, and when the microorganisms from the primary infection spread throughout the entire body through the bloodstream, hospitalization is necessary. If septicemia isn’t quickly treated, sepsis can develop, which may cause internal organ failure.
Methicillin-Resistant Staph Infections
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA, causes an infection that’s resistant to some of the most common types of antibiotics, including penicillin. MRSA typically develops in those who are in hospitals or long-term care facilities or in athletes who play sports that involve skin-to-skin contact. If not effectively treated, MRSA can lead to bone infections, blood clots, septicemia, and organ failure.
If your loved one is discharged from the hospital before a MRSA infection has been resolved, readmission may be inevitable. In addition, the antibiotics used to treat MRSA are very potent and can have significant side effects, including kidney problems and gastrointestinal infections, which may also raise the risk of hospital readmission.
A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, including infections. When searching for reliable senior 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.
Asthma
While many people “grow out of” asthma, it can last a lifetime, and it can be especially dangerous for seniors. Asthma can cause frequent infections, and if your loved one has asthma coupled with other diseases, such as emphysema, cardiovascular disease, or poorly managed diabetes, he or she may end up back in the hospital.
Make sure your loved one takes all of his or her prescribed asthma medications, including antibiotics and mucus-thinning medications. Also, monitor your loved one’s use of rescue inhalers. While using a rescue inhaler as needed can open up the airways, using it too often can result in a dangerous cardiac arrhythmia.
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 Potomac, MD, 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.
Stroke
Cerebrovascular disease is a multifactorial illness that can raise the risk of blood clots, hypertensive crisis, kidney failure, neurological problems, heart attacks, and bleeding in the brain. Stroke survivors need to be closely monitored for subtle changes. However, if you’re unable to keep a close eye on your loved one, consider hiring a home caregiver. When stroke survivors are closely monitored and cared for, hospital readmissions are less likely to occur.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Potomac elderly 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. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
