Find our how you can prevent hospital stays, how we can help and what to do if you are already in hospital and need ongoing care.
Preventing Hospitalisation for the Elderly
As we age, the risk of hospitalisation increases due to various health issues. However, with proactive care and appropriate measures, many hospital visits can be prevented. At Home Instead Andover and East Wiltshire, our primary goal is to enable older adults to continue living comfortably at home, rather than unnecessarily transitioning to residential care or requiring hospitalisation. Many seniors passionately wish to remain in their own homes, and we strive to make this feasible while reducing the likelihood of hospital stays.
Due to the extra pressures on the NHS and our healthcare system, more GPs and medical staff are leaving, making the gap between gaining new staff and training hard to bridge. As a result, new policies have been put in place giving home care providers delegated authority and training to deal with more complex care. Although Home Instead are unable to make clinical or professional judgements, we are now receiving additional care-specific training and have a better open line of communication with GPs, nurses, and other medical professionals. This allows us to feedback valuable information, such as blood pressure readings, changes in mobility, and mood, acting as the daily point of contact. This collaboration frees up medical professionals’ time and provides your loved one with a familiar face for these interactions in the comfort of their own home.
Local healthcare providers, and NHS services including Great Western Hospital in Swindon and Salisbury District Hospital, advocate that home is the ideal environment for living and recovery, reserving hospital care for those with acute medical needs. Preventing hospital admissions proactively is the optimal approach, and our services are tailored to achieve this.
Ongoing Health Monitoring by Care Professionals
When a Care Professional visits regularly, it ensures that an elderly person’s health and vital signs are consistently monitored. If a Care Professional detects a decline in an existing condition or identifies a new health issue, they promptly inform our Office Team, which takes immediate and appropriate action. This could involve contacting a GP for medical intervention, arranging an occupational therapist review, or notifying the family.
Such interventions prevent minor issues from escalating into serious problems. For instance, if a Care Professional spots a developing skin sore, it can be treated early, preventing infection and potentially sepsis, which could lead to hospitalisation. Additionally, if an elderly person falls, the Care Professional can quickly call for assistance, unlike a person living alone who might not be found for hours. Regular monitoring offers peace of mind to family members, ensuring their loved one is cared for, even when they cannot visit frequently.
Falls Prevention
Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalisation among the elderly. Our trained Care Professionals actively look for any trip hazards and can remove them as they arise. They will risk assess their clients daily, monitoring any sudden changes in mobility which would increase the risk of falls. To reduce this risk, it is essential to remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs and clutter, install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on stairs, ensure adequate lighting throughout the home, and encourage the use of assistive devices like walkers or walking sticks if needed. Additionally, promoting balance and strength exercises can significantly help in preventing falls.
Assistance with Medication and Nutrition
Our services also help avoid hospitalisation by ensuring clients adhere to their medication schedules. This might involve simple reminders or full administration of prescribed medicines. Proper medication management is crucial in controlling long-term conditions like diabetes, which, if unmanaged, could lead to severe complications and hospitalisation.
Ensuring clients receive regular, nutritious meals and staying hydrated is another critical aspect of our care. Our Care Pros help maintain a healthy diet and alert appropriate parties if dietary concerns arise, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Promoting Social Interaction and Mental Health
Mental health is a key component of well-being and helps prevent hospitalisations. Loneliness and isolation can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts in older adults. Our services include regular visits from a Care Professional, carefully matched to provide companionship and social interaction. We ensure each visit lasts at least an hour to foster meaningful social engagement.
The health benefits of these relationships are significant. Care Pros engage clients in their hobbies and interests and can take them out for various activities such as memory cafés, singing groups, exercise classes, countryside outings, or meals at pubs. These interactions keep older adults engaged with life, reducing physical and mental health risks.
Recently Admitted to Hospital?
If your loved one has recently been admitted to the hospital and is concerned about returning home, discuss a 6-week care plan with the hospital prior to discharge. Once the hospital has provided all necessary care and is ready to discharge the patient, they should discuss the required support level to ensure a safe return home. If further care is needed and the patient has little to no daily support, you can request 6 weeks of funded care. This provides peace of mind and time to arrange regular care with a provider if long-term support is necessary.Find out more about our post operative care by clicking here.
Proactive Approach to Elderly Care
Preventing hospitalisation for the elderly requires a proactive approach. By addressing physical, mental, and emotional health regularly, we can help seniors maintain their independence and well-being. Home Instead Andover and East Wiltshire are committed to providing compassionate and personalised care to support the health and happiness of your loved ones. Through regular check-ups, medication management, fall prevention, proper nutrition, physical activity, chronic disease management, mental health support, and preventive measures, we can make a significant difference in the lives of the elderly and their families. By engaging our services early, before a crisis arises, we can greatly reduce the risk of hospitalisation and support your family member in living well at home for as long as they desire.