How Live In Care Helps Aftercare of Hospital Discharge

Understanding Hospital Discharge Challenges for Seniors

Seniors face increased vulnerability when being sent home from hospital with new medication regimes, therapy requirements, and confusion over the next steps of recovery. Without sufficient aftercare, they risk severe setbacks such as falls, infections, medication issues, or worse.

Hospital discharges can be tough transitions for seniors, especially those with complex medical needs. Equally, remaining in hospital too long can take a toll on the mental health of seniors. According to Age UK, over the winter of 2022/23, between 13,000 and 14,000 patients were stranded in hospital on any given day. One in six patients over the age of 75 are then likely to be readmitted within 30 days of being discharged – “a terrible vicious circle,” according to Age UK. Here, we explore how live in care can help by ensuring seamless aftercare. 

Risks and Complications of Inadequate Aftercare

Being discharged from hospital can be the onset of a critical period for seniors. With potentially persisting compromised health, they can face serious, even life-threatening, risks if aftercare is not adequate. Falls are a major risk as seniors begin to regain mobility but may still be unsteady. Infections are another cause for concern if incisions, IV sites, and other wounds do not receive adequate care to heal properly.

Medication management is also hugely important, as seniors are typically discharged from hospital with often new, complex regimes requiring adherence and monitoring. Fluid and nutrition issues can escalate rapidly if seniors cannot prepare nutritious meals independently at home. They may be discharged in a vulnerable state, needing assistance for all facets of their recovery.

Benefits of Live-In Care for Hospital Aftercare

Live-in care is an optimal solution for providing seamless support as seniors transition home from the hospital. With round-the-clock assistance on-site, caregivers can manage medications, prepare specialised meals, assist with mobility, complete wound care, provide transportation, and monitor overall recovery.

This bedside-to-home support empowers seniors to continue intensive recovery regimes at home to facilitate their return to better health. Ensuring safe and seamless transitions starts well before hospital discharge. With stress also compromising their recovery, the comfortable familiarity of home can also help emotionally as seniors transition out of the hospital.

Qualities to Look For in Aftercare Support

Choosing the right live-in caregiver can be a critical step to ensure an optimal aftercare experience. Hospital staff and social workers can support with referrals to care agencies, since they are likely to know the details of the individual’s specific care needs. You can additionally do your own vetting of the agencies. The highest quality live-in aides have backgrounds in nursing or medicine and specialise in aftercare assistance.

Carers should be meticulously trained to track lengthy medication regimes, monitor emerging conditions, assist with therapy exercises, provide wound care, and support overall safe mobility. Nutrition training is also vital for preparing special diets catered to recovery needs. Given the stresses of transitioning home, compassion and emotional support are also hugely beneficial.

Plan Early for Safe Hospital Transitions Home

Hospital discharges mark high-risk transitions where seniors can face intense complications without sufficient aftercare. Recovery care plans should be developed proactively before leaving the hospital, encompassing medication regimes, individual therapy goals, meal plans and emotional support.

With preparation for quality live-in care in place ahead of discharge, seniors can then smoothly transition home, continuing their recovery whilst regaining strength in familiar and comforting surroundings. Live-in care provides dependable support that empowers the best outcomes amidst a challenging and vulnerable chapter of life.

Caring and Personalised Assistance From The Live In Care Company

Transitioning back home from hospital can present many emotional and physical challenges.  However, these issues can be managed effectively with the right support system. Live-in care offers a solution that addresses medical needs and emphasises the importance of mental and emotional well-being.

If you or your loved ones need comprehensive, personalised support, The Live In Care Company stands ready to help. Reach out to us and discover how we can make a difference in your end-of-care journey.