10 ways to reduce hospitalisation of senior
There are numerous indicators that your elderly loved ones' health is deteriorating during their golden years. Hospitalisation is frequently a major indicator that significant changes in your elderly family member's health plan and daily lifestyle are required. Early detection and observation can prevent the need for elderly hospitalisation by providing proper care for the elderly person.
Hospitalisation may be necessary and beneficial for an elderly loved one. However, if there are ways to safely prevent it and let them stay in the comfort of their home, most seniors and their carers are all for it. Support is one of the most effective factors in preventing elderly people from being hospitalised.
If you are a care provider (family carer or agency carer) and would like to help your older adult or patient stay healthy, here are some tips:
1. Exercise
Most of the time, illness can leave elderly people both physically and mentally inactive. Getting enough physical exercise is key to our health and well-being, and it helps to prevent the hospitalisation of your elderly family member. Consult with their doctor to determine the optimal level and type of physical activity they should accomplish in a day. Discuss the same with the carer on how to incorporate physical exercise into the elderly person's life.
Exercise and physical movement help improve balance, strength, and coordination, which in turn helps prevent falls and boosts physical confidence. If someone you care about has been injured or is having difficulty moving, talk to their doctor or physiotherapist about developing an exercise plan to help them get healthier.
2. Nutrition
One of the biggest risks to an elderly individual's health is a poor diet. There are many factors for that, from illness that impacts the appetite to medications that can change the taste of food. Moreover, various factors may conspire to keep elderly people from preparing and eating the nutritious meals they need.
So it is advisable to support your elderly patient in maintaining a balanced diet to ensure that they are getting the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients to develop optimal bone strength and keep mental acuity sharp so as to prevent hospitalisation of your elderly individual. As people age, their bone density decreases, making them more prone to fracture. Planning and sticking to a healthy diet can help them avoid falls and strengthen their bones.
3. Supervision
Hiring a round-the-clock carer can help you keep a close eye on the physical and mental changes happening. By hiring a carer from a well-reputed care provider like Nurses Group Homecare Yeovil, UK, you can be at ease knowing that your beloved is in the care of a professional and highly qualified carer.
4. Home safety
When it comes to falls, elderly people can be evasive, which increases the likelihood of an accident, a trip to the hospital, and possibly hospitalisation. Making your elderly loved one's environment more age-friendly can prevent the occurrence of accidents and dangerous incidents.
For example, replace rugs that slide easily with non-slip rugs, tighten any handrails, install ramps where necessary or where steep stairs once existed, and make sure any low-lit rooms or hallways are brightened with new light fixtures. Getting rid of excess clutter can also help clear hallways and rooms, allowing for safe movement throughout the home.
5. Outing
Taking the elderly on an outing can boost their morale and well-being, as well as their mental health, which contributes to happier ageing. One of the first symptoms elderly people show during a decline is withdrawal from any kind of social activity. Carers can organise interesting social activities such as planning a lunch at their favourite restaurant, taking a walk in the park, visiting a museum, driving through the countryside, visiting their favourite place, etc.
Loneliness follows people as they age, leading to depression and other mental issues. Carers must find ways to incorporate visits from friends and family members so that the patient does not succumb to depression, which can also prevent hospitalisation.
6. Medication management
One of the primary responsibilities of a carer is the administration and management of medications for the elderly. As a result, it is always advisable for them to consult with their doctors to ensure that they are taking the correct and appropriate amount of medications. If they are experiencing any side effects from their current medications, this could indicate that they need to be changed or modified. Proper medication management will help prevent the hospitalisation of elderly patients and allow them to stay in the comfort of their own homes.
7. Get a flu shot
The flu may be cured in two or three days, but it can also cause serious health problems. Flu is more dangerous for elderly individuals as their immune system weakens, and they might also have other health issues that can increase the risk of flu complications. As a result, it is always preferable to get flu shots in order to prevent infection and hospitalisation.
8. Provide relief to an elderly spouse
Spouses of the elderly often end up taking care of their partner, who needs continual care. This can lead to exhaustion, stress, burnout, and health issues for them. In such cases, it is always good to consider the option of arranging respite care or hiring a carer to help you and your family navigate the new changes happening in your life. Nurses Group Homecare offers the best respite care in Yeovil, UK. You will be able to positively contribute more of your time and energy by taking breaks and arranging for care teams to assist you. It will also prevent elderly couples from hospitalisation due to exhaustion and a lack of quality care.
9. Hobbies
Assisting individuals to find a hobby or interest so that they don't feel bored. Carers can talk to elderly individuals to identify their hobbies or interest and can even encourage them to try new ones. Family carers can even enrol their older adults in community classes such as yoga, pottery, and so on. It is critical to find novel ways to engage them socially. This will have a significant impact on their well-being. A positive outlook on life also promotes mental stimulation, satisfaction, purpose, and happiness. Maintaining a healthy state of mind during the declining year is critical because it prevents them from succumbing to depression or other mental illnesses and prevents elderly hospitalisation.
10. Socialisation
Spending time with people you love is always a healthy idea. Encourage your elderly family member to attend events and other social gatherings. Social stimulation will keep their minds sharp and prevent loneliness, which can lead to a decline in health and hospitalisation.
These are just a few of the ways carers can keep their elderly loved ones healthy and prevents hospitalisation.
Nurses Group Homecare Yeovil, UK has compassionate and caring carers who can provide any type of support and care to the elderly. Our carers are highly skilled and trained to handle any situation that may arise. Visit our service page to know the various care we provide.