The idea of “aging in place” has grown in significance as the population ages. Living in one’s own house and neighborhood as long as feasible, as opposed to entering a nursing home or assisted living facility, is ideal for many seniors. It makes sense, as this choice not only benefits seniors emotionally but also gives them a sense of continuity and independence in their lives.

However, family members may wonder how seniors can continue to age in place after a hospital stay. The good news is that post hospital care exists to support seniors and their family members in this situation.

The Value of Post Hospital Care

Post hospital care is essential for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably and effectively return to their homes. One of the main objectives of this care is to provide a smooth transition from the hospital to the senior’s home, intending to avoid complications and readmissions and optimize the senior’s quality of life.

Principal Goals of Post Hospital Care

When exploring post hospital care, there are many factors that come into play. However, the goals remain the same, including the following:

Preventing Hospital Readmissions

Avoiding readmissions is one of the most important goals of post hospital care. Seniors are more susceptible to problems following a hospital visit because of ongoing medical issues, compromised immune systems, or medication side effects. A well-organized post hospital care plan reduces the chance of a follow-up hospital stay by managing medicines, keeping track of follow-up appointments, and keeping an eye on the senior’s health.

Encouraging Recuperation and Rehabilitation

Another goal of post hospital care is to encourage recuperation and rehabilitation. In order to help seniors regain strength, mobility, and independence, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation may be necessary. Seniors receiving these treatments at home can recuperate more quickly and with less stress because they are in a familiar setting.

Improving Quality of Life

In post hospital care, quality of life is crucial. This covers mental and emotional well-being in addition to physical health. Care plans frequently include activities that keep seniors active and involved in their communities, such as mental health care and social assistance.

Living well at home is a key component of aging in place, not merely being there.

Helping Family Caregivers

Family caregivers are essential to seniors’ ability to age in place. Post hospital care frequently consists of providing these caregivers with resources, education, and short-term respite care. In addition to preventing caregiver burnout, this support ensures that loved ones are prepared to face the challenges that may exist when caring for seniors at home.

Care Coordination

Physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and home care providers must collaborate to offer effective post hospital care. By working together, they make sure that every facet of the senior’s health is taken care of, from emotional support to chronic disease management.

Coordinating and communicating clearly is essential to developing a care plan that is comprehensive and customized to meet the specific needs of the senior.

Post hospital care supports seniors who are aging in place by promoting healing, minimizing readmissions, improving quality of life, providing support to caregivers, and coordinating care. In addition, the right care plan assists seniors in making a seamless transition from the hospital to their homes, where they can maintain their independence and dignity.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Post Hospital Care in Lafayette, 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.marquiscompanies.com/blog/what-is-post-hospital-care-for-seniors/
• https://homecarematters.com/blog/2024/06/24/the-importance-of-follow-up-care-for-post-hospital-recovery/
• https://caretechinc.com/navigating-post-hospital-care-a-guide-to-supporting-seniors-in-their-recovery-journey/

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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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