Hospital readmissions are the number one cause of death in the United States. They account for nearly one-third of all deaths that occur at the hospital. That’s a pretty scary statistic when you consider that it’s something we can all work together to fix!
In this post, we’ll look at how a Norfolk, VA Nursing Home can work with hospitals to reduce these numbers and save lives by reducing preventable hospital readmissions among their residents.
The Right Post-Discharge Care Plan
Nursing homes play an important role in helping patients recover from their hospital stay. They provide patients with post-discharge care, medication management, and physical therapy sessions.
Nursing home staff can also help ensure that patients follow their discharge plan. They do this by understanding all of its aspects, such as what medications they need to take at specific times, how often doctors should check them, and how frequently patients exercise.
Helping Seniors Take Their Medications
You may wonder how a nursing home can help your loved one take their medications. You don’t want them to forget or skip doses. Still, it can be challenging for your loved ones suffering from dementia or other cognitive issues.
The best way for a nursing home to help with this situation is by having a consistent medication schedule that works well with your loved one’s routine and lifestyle. For example, suppose they usually eat breakfast at 10 AM every day and then go on walks until noon. Perhaps they should take their morning pills while walking rather than waiting until after eating lunch.
Regular Communication with Hospitals
The most crucial factor in reducing readmissions is communication. A nursing home can help by regularly updating the hospital on your loved one’s condition and letting them know when they are ready for discharge. This will allow the hospital team to be more aware of any issues that may arise after discharge so that they can take action immediately.
Encourage Patients to Participate in Their Treatment Plans
A nursing home can help patients to follow their treatment plans by encouraging them to be active participants in the process. In addition to encouraging patients to participate in their care, a good nursing home will also provide resources for them to do so effectively.
One way to do this is to ensure there are plans for each patient and provide information about these plans as they become available or when they change. This way, if patients have questions about any aspect of their care plan, including medications or dietary restrictions, they will know where to find answers and receive assistance with those questions if necessary.
Keep Track of Senior’s Health History
The last thing you need to do is ensure your loved one has the proper medications. This can be done by keeping track of their health history and ensuring their prescriptions are filled on time. If you’re worried about them not taking their medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist if there are any alternatives that they might like better.
Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition is one of the best ways to reduce hospital readmissions. Nursing homes help you or your loved one by providing healthy, nutritious, and tasty meals. The menu should include foods from all groups based on the patient’s needs and preferences. The dietitian will work with residents to create a meal plan that fits their needs, whether for someone with dementia or another condition like diabetes or heart disease.
Conclusion
A nursing home can be an excellent option for patients who need to stay in the hospital. Suppose you or someone you love is considering entering a nursing home. In that case, it’s essential to understand what the community can offer and how it may benefit your healthcare needs.
