What Issues Increase the Risk of Rehospitalization?

Certain health conditions can raise the risk for hospital readmission. While readmissions may be more likely to occur in the elderly population, younger people are also at risk. Here are some factors that raise the risk for hospital readmissions and what you can do to lower your senior loved one’s risk.

Hypertension

High blood pressure raises the risk for heart attack and stroke, and if your loved one experiences one of these events, he or she will need to be readmitted to the hospital. Antihypertensive medications can also raise the risk for hospital readmissions. They can cause serious side effects, such as hypotension, confusion, severe muscle pain, and weakness, and they can also raise the risk for falls and injuries. To reduce your loved one’s risk of another hospital readmission, make sure he or she follows the diet prescribed by his or her physician, avoids smoking, maintains a healthy weight, and gets regular exercise. 
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications, including medication side effects. When searching for reliable elder care 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.

Anticoagulant Therapy

Anticoagulant medications are commonly prescribed for those at high risk for strokes and heart attacks. Also known as “blood thinners,” anticoagulants lower the risk for cardiovascular events and cerebrovascular accidents by decreasing the incidence of blood clot formation. These drugs can also lead to abnormal bleeding. While most people only experience an occasional nosebleed or bleeding gums, others may develop gastrointestinal hemorrhages or bleeding in the brain. If your loved one takes anticoagulants, make sure he or she gets regular checkups and blood tests. When anticoagulant therapy is closely monitored, hospital readmissions may be less likely to occur.

Electrolyte Disorders

If your loved one is deficient in potassium, sodium, or magnesium, he or she may be at a higher risk for cardiac arrhythmia, chest pain, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and light-headedness. To ensure your loved one’s electrolyte profile remains normal, he or she needs to take all prescribed medications. Dietary interventions such as consuming more green leafy vegetables, nuts, and grains may also help your loved one manage electrolyte disorders. 
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 Winnipeg, MB, 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.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, can block the airways with thick mucus. Not only can this raise your loved one’s risk for lung infections, but it can also cause severe shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, and fainting. Poorly managed COPD raises the risk for hospital readmission, so make sure your loved one sees the physician regularly. To thin viscous secretions, offer plenty of water throughout the day so your loved one can expel the mucus from the lungs easier. Also, at the first sign of an infection, call the doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics so the infection doesn’t become severe enough to require another hospitalization.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Winnipeg 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. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate, professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.