Why Elderly Care After Hospital Stays Often Requires Home Services
After a hospital stay, an elderly person’s recovery process can be significantly facilitated by bringing them home care services. This includes in-home senior care, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Medicare typically does not cover the cost of recovering in the hospital, making it more cost-effective to transfer a patient to a nursing home and then bring them home to continue their recovery.
Financial Considerations and Recovery
When a person leaves the hospital, they often require continued care to build up their strength at a slower, safer pace than a hospital environment. This is particularly true for those who have undergone surgeries or are dealing with significant health issues. By bringing them home with professional home care services, family members can help them recover more effectively and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of re-hospitalization.
Many times, it is a family member or spouse who makes the request for such services. As a caregiver’s physical and mental strain increases, the couple often finds it difficult to handle the full extent of the care needed. Home care support staff can significantly ease this burden, providing assistance and support that allows family members to focus on other aspects of their lives. Factors such as a family's inability to take care of their parents or their living far away from the elderly can also be contributing reasons.
The Role of Assisted Living
Assisted living becomes a viable option when an elderly individual is no longer capable of living independently. This might be due to advanced age, serious health conditions, or a decline in mental capacity. Assisted living facilities offer around-the-clock care, which is essential for individuals who require constant attention but wish to maintain some degree of independence.
Regardless of the type of care required, each case is unique, and every family situation must be carefully considered. Care decisions should be made with love and consideration, taking into account the needs of the elderly individual as well as the realities of the family's circumstances.
Adjustment and Emotional Impact
Moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility can be emotionally challenging for the elderly, even if they are well-prepared. It can feel like moving into a cultural environment where they have little control over their daily routines. For those who have experienced significant life events, maintaining a semblance of routine or daily contact can be crucial.
Professional home care services can make a significant difference in the adjustment process. Tasks such as cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms can be handled by trained caregivers. However, if such services are not available, the transition to a nursing home may be more challenging. With the resurgence of covid, it is generally safer for elderly individuals to remain at home, away from the potentially crowded environments of nursing homes.
Unfortunately, the quality of care in many nursing homes is often hampered by systemic issues. Large corporate owners prioritize profits over competitive wages and benefits, making it difficult to attract and retain good staff. This can lead to lower quality of care, as administrators may boast about rules for good help but cannot substantiate the presence of such help.
Conclusion
Ensuring the best possible care for elderly loved ones requires careful consideration and action. Whether it is by moving them into a family home, hiring live-in care, or seeking home-based assistance, the goal should always be to provide the support and love they need. Services like Find Child Care, Babysitters, Senior Care, Pet Care, and Housekeeping can be invaluable in this regard. Serious consideration of these options can significantly improve the quality of life for elderly individuals and alleviate the stress on their families.