Hospital stays can take a big toll on your senior loved one or parent, both physically and mentally. Being in the hospital for an extended period can lead to things like muscle loss, infections, and overall decline in their ability to do everyday tasks. For seniors, especially those with dementia or other memory disorders, hospital stays can also cause confusion and isolation, making recovery even harder.

One of the biggest concerns after a hospital stay is the chance of being readmitted. It’s not uncommon for seniors to end up back in the hospital soon after they’ve been discharged. That’s why having a solid plan in place when they leave the hospital—and making sure they get ongoing support at home—is crucial.

Visiting Angels is here to help!

Transitional Care After Hospitalization

We’ve created the Ready Set Go Home Guide program to provide non-medical home care to support your loved one as they transition from the hospital or rehab facility back to their home. Our goal is to reduce the risk of readmission and give you peace of mind while they recover. 

Here’s how our professional caregiver(s) can help:

• Personal Care: Assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting.
• Mobility Assistance: Helping with moving around and transferring safely.
• Companionship: Reducing isolation and providing social support.
• Light Housekeeping & Errands: Handling daily tasks like cleaning, grocery shopping, and meal prep.
• Medication Reminders: Ensuring they take their medications on time.

Our caregivers keep a close eye on your loved one’s recovery, especially during the first week after discharge, which is a critical time to prevent any setbacks. By spotting issues early, you can address them right away with their doctor, lowering the risk of another hospital visit.

Common Questions About Hospital Readmission

What causes hospital readmission for seniors? After a hospital stay, many seniors experience a loss of independence, which makes it harder to take care of themselves at home. This is especially true for those with chronic conditions or those recovering from surgery or a major health event.

Some seniors may experience post-hospitalization syndrome, which can last weeks after discharge. Symptoms include:

• Trouble sleeping, eating, or staying active
• Brain fog or confusion
• Anxiety, stress, or lingering fatigue
• Weakness and falls
• Medication side effects

These issues can make it harder for seniors to manage their health and get the care they need, leading to a higher risk of readmission.

How does the Ready Set Go Home Guide program work? Our program helps you prepare for a smooth transition back home. We work with you, your loved one, and their healthcare team to create a plan that meets their needs.

You’ll also get a handy checklist to keep track of important instructions, medications, and doctor’s notes. This helps ensure you have all the information you need to make their transition as smooth as possible.

How can Visiting Angels help after hospitalization? Before your loved one even leaves the hospital, we can come in to help set up a care plan. We’ll coordinate with you and the healthcare team to make sure your loved one’s needs are met at home.

To learn more about the Ready Set Go Home program, contact us at: