How Home Care Helps Prevent Hospital Readmissions
Could the right support at home keep your loved one out of hospital?
Repeated hospital stays can be stressful, disruptive, and even harmful to recovery. For older adults, each return to hospital increases the risk of complications, including infections, reduced mobility, and a decline in overall well-being. However, with the right home care support, unnecessary readmissions can often be prevented, allowing individuals to recover safely in familiar surroundings.
Why Reducing Hospital Readmissions Matters
Avoiding a hospital readmission isn’t just about reducing strain on healthcare services—it’s about improving quality of life. Repeated hospital stays can indicate gaps in care, particularly for those managing long-term conditions. Every unplanned return to hospital increases the risk of new complications, such as hospital-acquired infections or loss of independence.
Beyond the physical and emotional toll, hospital readmissions also contribute to rising healthcare costs. Ensuring older adults receive the right level of care at home helps maintain stability, minimising the need for urgent medical interventions.
How Home Care Reduces the Risk of Readmission
Home care provides structured support that allows individuals to regain independence while managing their health conditions effectively. Whether recovering from surgery, an illness, or managing a long-term condition, professional home care offers the necessary assistance to prevent complications and hospital returns.
Personalised Care Plans
Each person’s needs are unique, and a tailored care plan ensures they receive the right level of support. This includes help with mobility, personal care, and medication management, as well as support with daily activities that promote long-term well-being. When care is designed around individual circumstances, there is a greater chance of recovery at home without the need for readmission.
Medication Management
Medication errors, missed doses, or adverse reactions are among the most common reasons for hospital readmission. Home care professionals assist with medication reminders, administration, and coordination with healthcare providers to ensure prescriptions are taken correctly and safely. This oversight reduces the likelihood of complications related to incorrect medication use.
Ongoing Monitoring and Early Intervention
Routine check-ins allow home care teams to track vital signs, observe behavioural changes, and address any health concerns before they escalate. Whether through in-person visits or remote health monitoring, recognising early warning signs—such as changes in appetite, confusion, or worsening mobility—allows for timely interventions that help prevent an avoidable hospital stay.
Support with Rehabilitation
For those recovering from surgery or illness, rehabilitation plays a critical role in regaining strength and independence. Home care professionals assist with physiotherapy exercises, mobility support, and activities that encourage a steady recovery. This additional support ensures individuals remain active and engaged, reducing the risk of readmission due to setbacks.
Strategies for a Smooth Transition from Hospital to Home
The period immediately following a hospital discharge is a high-risk time for complications. Ensuring a smooth transition back home reduces the likelihood of setbacks and further medical intervention.
Comprehensive Discharge Planning
Effective home care begins with careful planning before discharge. This includes assessing any necessary home adjustments, ensuring the right support is in place, and coordinating care with healthcare professionals. By preparing in advance, individuals can return home with confidence, knowing they have the assistance they need.
Education and Support for Family Members
Many families play a significant role in caring for their loved ones after hospitalisation. Providing family members with information on managing conditions, recognising warning signs, and handling emergencies enables them to offer the best possible support. Home care providers can also offer guidance and respite care to ensure families are not overwhelmed.
Addressing Emotional Well-Being
Leaving hospital can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly for older adults who fear another health crisis. Having a compassionate care professional available for reassurance, companionship, and daily assistance helps reduce anxiety and supports emotional well-being. Feeling safe and supported at home can have a significant impact on overall health and recovery.
Preventing Hospital Admissions for Older Adults
Many hospital stays among older adults could be avoided with the right support at home. Recognising early warning signs and taking preventive action can help individuals maintain their independence while staying healthy.
Recognising Early Signs of Decline
Family members and caregivers should be aware of changes that could indicate an increased risk of hospitalisation, including:
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Difficulty managing medications
- Increased confusion or forgetfulness
- Reduced physical activity or mobility problems
- Signs of depression or withdrawal from social activities
- Poor hydration or nutritional intake
- Frequent falls or accidents at home
Spotting these signs early allows for timely intervention, reducing the likelihood of hospital visits.
Encouraging Healthy Habits
A well-balanced diet, regular physical activity, and quality sleep all contribute to better health. Encouraging older adults to eat nutritious meals, stay active within their abilities, and engage in mentally stimulating activities supports their long-term well-being. Simple lifestyle changes can play a significant role in preventing health deterioration that leads to hospitalisation.
Reducing Social Isolation
Loneliness and isolation have been linked to a higher risk of serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Encouraging regular interaction with friends, family, and community groups provides emotional support and reduces feelings of loneliness, which in turn supports overall health.
The Role of Home Care in Reducing NHS Pressures
Many hospital readmissions could be avoided if individuals had the right level of care in place. Research from The University of Manchester highlights that structured discharge planning and home care support can reduce readmissions by up to 55%. Providing practical home support enables individuals to manage their conditions effectively, reducing the need for further hospital stays.
Delayed hospital discharges remain a challenge for the NHS, with many patients unable to leave due to a lack of home support. Home care bridges this gap, ensuring individuals can return home safely while freeing up hospital resources for those in critical need.
Supporting Recovery and Independence
For those transitioning from hospital to home, or simply seeking additional support to remain independent, home care provides a reliable solution. Services such as:
- Assisted transport from hospital
- Home safety adjustments
- Medication collection and management
- Mobility and movement support
- Nutritional meal preparation
- Assistance with medical appointments
All of these contribute to better health outcomes, reducing the risk of readmission while enhancing overall well-being.
Conclusion
Preventing hospital readmissions is about more than just reducing strain on the NHS—it’s about supporting individuals to recover safely and maintain their independence. Home care offers personalised support that helps older adults manage their conditions, recover from illness or injury, and remain safe at home.
For families who want to ensure their loved ones receive the right level of care, Home Instead South Manchester provides compassionate, professional support tailored to individual needs. Whether short-term recovery assistance or ongoing care is required, our dedicated team is here to help.
If you or a loved one could benefit from home care to support recovery and independence, get in touch with Home Instead South Manchester today.
Areas We Serve
Whalley Range, Didsbury, Withington, Burnage, Fallowfield, Old Trafford, Stretford, Urmston, Davyhulme, Flixton, and the Surrounding areas
M14 4, M14 5, M14 6, M14 7, M16 0, M16 7, M16 8, M16 9, M17 1, M17 8, M19 1, M19 2, M19 3, M20 1, M20 2, M20 3, M20 4, M20 5, M20 6, M21 0, M21 7, M21 8, M21 9, M31 4, M32 0, M32 8, M32 9, M41 0, M41 5, M41 6, M41 7, M41 8, M41 9
289 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 7GH, UK