Hospital readmissions are common in the elderly population. Readmission rates may be higher among those with certain medical disorders. While often medically necessary, hospital readmissions can result in negative outcomes for seniors. Here are some common diagnoses for hospital readmissions among aging adults.
Heart Attacks
Most seniors with postmyocardial infarction syndrome are sent home with prescription anticoagulants, which can cause significant bleeding in the gastrointestinal system and the brain. If your senior loved one experiences heavy bleeding because of blood-thinning medications, hospital readmission may be necessary. A second heart attack may also occur soon after going home, which could also necessitate another hospital readmission.
A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable homecare services agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, 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.
Hip Fractures
If your loved one sustains a hip fracture, he or she may need to undergo an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure. After the surgery, your loved one may need to stay in the hospital or transfer to a long-term care facility for months of physical therapy. When finally discharged home, your loved one may be weak and sustain another injury as a result. Your loved one may also develop pneumonia, a blood clot caused by immobility, or a wound infection at the surgical site.
Renal Disease
Without optimal kidney function, toxins can build up in the bloodstream, and congestive heart failure may occur. High levels of potassium may also build up in the blood, causing cardiac arrhythmia and weakness. Renal disease can also cause anemia as well as a painful type of arthritis known as gout. If your loved one has renal disease, make sure he or she takes all prescribed medications and follows the recommended therapeutic diet to lower the risk for hospital readmissions.
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 Huntsville, AL, 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.
Liver Disease
Liver disease can cause severe jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and if it progresses, high ammonia levels can build up in the bloodstream. When this happens, it can cause lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. If left untreated, high ammonia levels may be life-threatening, so at the first sign of illness, your loved one may need to be hospitalized.
High ammonia levels are commonly seen in alcoholic liver disease. However, they can develop in all types of liver disease. Alcoholic liver disease may be reversible in mild cases, but cirrhosis of the liver and liver fibrosis may be difficult to treat. If cirrhosis causes extensive liver damage, your loved one may require hospitalization while waiting for a liver transplant.
If your loved one has liver disease, make sure he or she avoids alcoholic beverages. Drinking can further damage the liver, and it can also cause high blood pressure and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke in those with liver failure.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Huntsville elder 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. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (256) 716-9940 to learn about our high-quality home care services.