How Can Home Care Reduce the Risk of Hospital Readmissions?
Personalised home care in Hamilton helping older adults recover safely and avoid readmissions.<br />
Can home care help reduce hospital readmissions? Yes, with the right support in place, home care can play a vital role in recovery and help prevent unnecessary returns to the hospital. For older adults, especially those managing chronic conditions, the transition from hospital to home can be challenging without proper care. At Home Instead Hamilton, we provide personalised home care designed to support recovery, promote independence, and reduce the risk of readmission, giving families peace of mind.
Home Instead Hamilton offers personalised home care that bridges the gap between hospital and home, supporting recovery and reducing the risk of readmission. With tailored care plans and ongoing support, we help individuals regain strength, confidence, and independence.
The Challenge of Hospital Readmissions
Older adults and those living with chronic conditions, such as heart failure, are at higher risk of being readmitted to hospital within 30 days of discharge. Statistics indicate that around 25% of heart failure patients are readmitted within a month, placing a strain on healthcare systems and families alike.
Common factors leading to readmission include:
- Complications from unmanaged conditions
- Medication errors
- Lack of follow-up care
- Limited mobility and risk of falls
- Inadequate support with daily activities
Preventing unnecessary hospital returns requires early intervention, structured care, and a proactive approach to health monitoring.
The Role of Telehealth in Reducing Readmissions
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare. Telehealth allows medical professionals to monitor patients remotely, reducing the risk of complications that could lead to hospitalisation.
A recent study on heart failure patients using telehealth services found that real-time tracking of vital signs—such as weight, heart rate, and blood pressure—helped identify early warning signs of deterioration. By addressing issues before they escalated, the programme reduced readmission rates by 73% over three years.
Key benefits of telehealth include:
- Real-time health monitoring
- Immediate response to concerning symptoms
- Education on condition management
- Improved communication between patients and healthcare professionals
While telehealth is a valuable tool, human support is just as important in ensuring recovery is on track.
Transitional Care: The Key to a Successful Recovery
Transitional care bridges the gap between hospital discharge and full recovery at home. Without structured follow-up, managing new medication routines or accessing the right support can be difficult.
A study investigating the impact of transitional care interventions found that individuals receiving nurse visits and telephone check-ins after discharge were twice as likely to remain out of the hospital compared to those without support. The most effective strategies included:
- Regular home visits from healthcare professionals
- Scheduled follow-ups via phone
- Exercise programmes to improve mobility and overall health
By implementing these measures, families can significantly reduce the likelihood of a hospital readmission.
How Home Care Supports Recovery and Prevents Readmissions
At Home Instead Hamilton, we provide tailored home care services designed to help individuals regain strength and confidence after a hospital stay. Our approach prioritises ongoing support, ensuring older adults receive the help they need to recover safely at home.
1. Personalised Care Plans
Every person’s needs are unique, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Our care plans take into account medical history, current health concerns, mobility levels, and personal preferences. By tailoring support, we create an environment where recovery is safer and more comfortable.
2. Medication Reminders and Management
Medication errors are one of the leading causes of hospital readmission. Our Care Professionals assist with reminders, ensuring medication is taken correctly and on time. This reduces the risk of missed doses or adverse reactions that could result in complications.
3. Nutrition and Hydration Support
Proper nutrition is essential for healing. Our team helps with meal preparation, making sure that individuals receive nourishing, balanced meals that support recovery and overall health.
4. Mobility Assistance and Fall Prevention
Limited mobility can make moving around the home more challenging, increasing the chance of setbacks. Our home care services include mobility assistance, helping individuals move safely around their home and engage in gentle exercise to rebuild strength.
5. Companionship and Emotional Support
Recovering at home can feel isolating, especially for individuals living alone. Companionship supports emotional wellbeing, helping individuals stay connected and maintain a positive outlook during recovery.
6. Liaising with Healthcare Providers
Coordinating care can be challenging for families, especially when multiple healthcare providers are involved. Our team works closely with hospitals, GPs, and other professionals to ensure continuity of care, making sure no aspect of recovery is overlooked.
What Families Can Do to Support a Smooth Recovery
In addition to professional care, family involvement can make a significant difference in preventing hospital readmissions. Here are some practical steps loved ones can take:
- Encourage adherence to medical advice – Ensure all follow-up appointments are attended and medications are taken as prescribed.
- Promote an active lifestyle – Gentle movement and prescribed exercises help rebuild strength.
- Monitor symptoms – Watch for any changes in health and seek advice if needed.
- Stay connected – Regular check-ins, whether in person or via phone, can help identify any challenges early on.
The Future of Hospital Readmission Prevention
As healthcare continues to evolve, a combination of technology and compassionate in-person support will remain the most effective approach to reducing hospital readmissions. Looking ahead, improvements in telehealth services, enhanced coordination between home care providers and medical professionals, and greater awareness of transitional care strategies will further improve outcomes for older adults recovering at home.
Supporting Families in Hamilton with Trusted Home Care
At Home Instead Hamilton, we are dedicated to helping individuals recover safely and comfortably at home. Our experienced Care Professionals provide personalised, compassionate support, ensuring older adults receive the right level of care to prevent unnecessary hospital stays.
If you or a loved one need extra support following a hospital stay, our team is here to help. Contact Home Instead Hamilton today to learn more about how we can assist with a safe and smooth recovery at home.
Areas We Serve
Hamilton, Uddingston, Motherwell, Bothwell, Strathaven, Bellshill, Rutherglen, Cambuslang
G71 5, G71 6, ML2 7, ML4 3, ML1 3, ML1 2, ML2 0, ML4 1, ML4 2, G72 6, G73 5, G71 8, G72 9, G73 4, G71 7, ML1 1, ML1 4, G72 0, ML2 8, ML1 5, G72 8, G72 7
Unit 2 Brandon House Business Centre, 23-25 Brandon St, Hamilton ML3 6DA