When a senior loved one returns home from the hospital, it is often necessary to seek outside assistance to ensure their safe and effective recovery. Home health services can help by offering medical treatment, therapy, and support that is personalized to their specific requirements. However, selecting the correct service to provide post hospital care might not be as easy.

Here are some things to consider before selecting post hospital care providers to guarantee your loved one receives the best possible care.

Evaluate your loved one’s needs.

Before beginning the search, consider what care the senior needs. Are they recovering from surgery, requiring wound care, or undergoing physical therapy? Or do they require assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, clothing, and meal preparation? Knowing their needs will help narrow down post hospital care providers and the services they offer.

Pay attention to credentialing and licensing.

Ensure that the agency or individual caregiver you are selecting is appropriately licensed and certified. Agencies should follow state and federal rules and hire qualified employees. Also, don’t be afraid to request proof of licensing or ask questions.

Does the agency have experience with post-hospital care?

Not all home health care providers have experience with post hospital care, which can include managing complex medical needs such as medication administration, mobility issues, and infection monitoring. Choose a provider with a documented track record of post-discharge recovery, especially if the senior has a specific health condition like heart disease, diabetes, or post-surgical needs.

Does the agency offer customizable care plans?

Each senior and their recovery needs are unique, and care should be tailored to individual requirements. Look for providers who will create a personalized care plan after evaluating the senior’s condition, goals, and preferences. This ensures that the treatment delivered is consistent with the physician’s discharge instructions and adaptable to changing needs over time.

Choose a team with effective communication and collaboration.

Effective communication among post hospital care providers, seniors, family members, and healthcare professionals is essential. Ask the agency how they handle communication and collaboration to ensure they will be the best fit.

Can the agency accommodate the senior’s schedule?

Check the provider’s availability to accommodate the senior’s schedule. Also, ask questions about backup plans in case a caregiver is unavailable. Seniors receiving post hospital care require dependable services to recover properly.

Inquire about cost and coverage.

It’s important to understand the expenses up front and whether the provider accepts Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Post hospital care treatments are frequently covered by insurance, but it is critical to understand the details.

Pay attention to first impressions.

Beyond credentials, make sure the caregiver or agency personnel demonstrates genuine compassion and a good rapport with the senior. A caring and compassionate caregiver can make the rehabilitation process easier and improve emotional well-being.

Hiring home health services can considerably improve a senior’s post-hospital recovery, but selecting the best provider requires research. By focusing on qualifications, expertise, and personal compatibility, family members can ensure their loved one receives the high-quality post hospital care they need.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Post Hospital Care in Orinda, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400

Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.

Sources:

• https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/t039-c000-s004-medicare-tip-find-the-right-post-hospital-care.html
• https://www.patientcarelink.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/After-the-Hospital-A-Guide-to-Post-Acute-Care.pdf
• https://www.caregiver.org/resource/hospital-discharge-planning-guide-families-and-caregivers/

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Evan Loevner

CEO at Aviva In-Home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate Bay Area resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver.

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