Taking extra care of your loved one’s health as they age is very important. Preventive measures can be taken to help keep our loved ones out of hospital since a number of hospitalisations in older people could be prevented if the appropriate preventive steps are taken.
Prevention is better than cure
With ageing, there are certain risks and signs which, if ignored, may lead to spending a spell of time in hospital. Some of the things to be vigilant for include:
- Missed doctor appointments or putting off medical health checks
- Social isolation
- Signs of inactivity or depression
- Problems with cooking, eating nutritious foods and hydration
- Keeping the house clean and hygienic
- Poor appetite or change in weight
- Worsening of conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Disinterest in overall health and welfare
- Decline in participating in hobbies and interests
- Confusion, which may be caused by an underlying condition such as dementia
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, keeping mentally and physically active, getting good quality sleep and socialising with others, means that older individuals will be taking the positive steps needed to avert an unnecessary stay in hospital.
How home care can help prevent or delay a hospital stay
It’s not always easy for family members to keep on top of their ageing parents’ health. You might not live nearby or might not be able to be there for all the medical appointments or to check that your parent is eating well. That’s where Home Instead can help.
We provide a wide range of flexible help at home, to support your loved one with their needs like companionship, meal preparation and keeping the house clean or just taking them to their medical appointments. We will listen to their and your needs to create a bespoke solution for your loved one and your family.
We can provide your loved one and you with the support you need to reduce the risk accidents by helping them cope with day-to-day tasks that are no longer easy to perform as they’re getting older. This extra help can also extend their ability to stay at home and be independent.
Returning home after spending time in hospital
Sometimes a hospital visit is unavoidable. When in full-time hospital care, no doubt patients will be closely monitored and looked after while being nursed back to full health. When it is time to come home, your loved one may need some additional care and support to help them manage.
When this happens, there are ways in which Exceptional Care At Home can help both you and them transition from hospital to home including practical arrangements such as assisted travel and taking care of safety in the home, collecting prescriptions, changing beds and stocking the fridge to arranging follow up appointments with the GP.
Get that extra help
Find out more by contacting us to see how we can support you and your loved one.