When a family member recently underwent surgery or illness, transitioning home after a hospital stay can leave you feeling worried as they recover. Although up to 25% of patients in the U.S. who were discharged return to the hospital, up to 15% of readmissions are preventable.
Understanding the reasons why patients return to the hospital is helpful to effectively care for a loved one and reduce the chances of readmission. As a provider of caregiver home care services, we will share the top 5 reasons for hospital readmissions:
- Health Complications – Several conditions pose a higher risk of complications that lead to readmission. This includes COPD, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, hypertensive heart disease, and more. Older adults are also at a greater risk.
- Disengagement – This refers to a patient’s unwillingness to participate in their care. This is one of the main causes of preventable readmissions.
- Inadequate Care – After discharge, it’s critical for patients to receive the care and support they need to recover at home. Hence, services like live-in home care are recommended to ease the transition and ensure better outcomes.
- Recurrence of the Condition – In some cases, infections can recur which may lead to readmission. This is significantly higher in older adults and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
- Misinterpretation of Discharge Instructions – Some patients are readmitted because their caregiver misinterpreted their discharge instructions. This may include not following the instructions for certain medications or diet changes.
CareDiem® Home Care is a trusted provider of home care in Palatine, Illinois. To learn more about our services, browse our site or reach out to us today.
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