Seniors returning home from a long hospital stay often need extra care and assistance during those first few weeks to avoid readmission. Help with following discharge instructions, taking medication on time, and completing daily tasks can be the difference between readmission and a full recovery. That’s where Visiting Angels^® Chicago comes in. Our Ready, Set, Go Home program gives seniors in Chicago, Niles, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Golf, and the surrounding northern suburbs experienced transitional care that provides the assistance often needed to avoid readmission and make a full recovery.

The Risk of Hospital Readmission

While most people discharged from the hospital will need some sort of aftercare assistance to avoid rehospitalization, the need for seniors can be much greater. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 Medicare patients discharged from a hospital is readmitted within 30 days. The reasons for readmission vary by individual, but often include:

• Trying to do too much by themselves too soon
• Neglecting to follow discharge instructions
• Not reporting changes in their condition or worsening symptoms
• Forgetting to take medication on time, or taking the wrong dose
• Missing medical appointments and follow-ups

After seeing your loved one in the hospital, the last thing you want is to see them readmitted. Enlisting transitional care you can trust is essential during this challenging time. At Visiting Angels Chicago, we are your local, reliable source of elderly care. From helping coordinate care in the hospital to providing care in the home, we are here. Even if you live far away from your loved one, our care can bring you peace of mind.

How Transitional Care Specialists in Chicago Can Help

For many seniors living on their own, recovering from a hospital stay without assistance can put them at real risk of readmission, and many families become overwhelmed with the additional care that’s needed. Transitional care from Visiting Angels Chicago can help. With our Ready, Set, Go Home program, seniors throughout the Chicagoland area receive support and care during their hospital stay, discharge, and at-home recovery. Our care can be customized to your loved one’s specific needs throughout the recovery process, and can include:

• Caregiver visits during their hospital stay for company and support
• Assistance with personal daily tasks that may be challenging during recovery, such as grooming, bathing, and dressing
• Transportation to doctor appointments, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
• Preparation of meals based on dietary restrictions and guidelines
• Reminders to take medication, drink fluids, and eat regularly
• Help with light housework, such as laundry and vacuuming
• Much needed respite for family caregivers
• Moral support and companionship during recovery

We fully understand that each individual's recovery period will look differently. That's why we create a personalized care plan for each of our clients. We are happy to work with you, your loved one, and their physicians to create a plan that meets every need. Our care is also easily adaptable as your loved one recovers. They may require less assistance as their condition improves, or they may require consistent care to manage a chronic condition. Our team is here to help every step of the way.

Transitional care from Visiting Angels Chicago is available to our clients and their families as often as needed on a part-time, full-time, or 24-hour basis, including weekends and holidays. If an emergency arises, clients and their families can call our after-hours line and receive a call back within 15 minutes. When you choose Visiting Angels Chicago for your loved one’s in-home care, our dedicated caregivers are with you every step of the way, providing guidance and a helping hand wherever it’s needed.

Get Started with Transitional Care from Visiting Angels Chicago

Visiting Angels Chicago is a locally owned and operated senior care agency. We are passionate about serving local seniors and families with our comprehensive care. If your loved one is currently in the hospital, reach out to us for transitional care you can trust.

We have free care consultations available to help you get started with our care. Our team is happy to meet with you and your loved one to learn more about your needs. We can also discuss our home care services and how they can help ease your loved one's transition back home. Any questions you have are welcome at this time.

During your initial consultation, we will also give you our Ready, Set, Go Home Discharge Guide. This complimentary booklet has ample space for recording important information during your loved one's recovery period. You may want to write down discharge instructions, health updates, and contact information for doctors and therapists.

For more information about our transitional care services and our Ready, Set, Go Home program, call Visiting Angels Chicago today.