Hospital stays can be stressful, and those in the hospital often dream of returning home as soon as possible. If you’ve ever been in the hospital or have a loved one who was admitted for a hospital stay, you likely understand the importance of avoiding hospital readmission. At Visiting Angels^® Portland, our transitional care program aims to help seniors in the area stay where they are most comfortable - in their own homes. Our in-home caregivers support seniors throughout the Portland area, including Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, and the surrounding communities, in order to avoid readmission.

Understanding the Causes of Hospital Readmissions for Better Care

At Visiting Angels Portland, we try to better understand why hospital readmissions occur so that we can help prevent them through transitional care. There are numerous causes of readmission, including the following:

• Trouble with managing an illness in the home environment
• Exhaustion stemming from the disruption of a senior’s daily routines
• Disregard or misunderstanding of discharge instructions
• Mismanagement of medication schedules or dosages
• Problems following up with medical appointments

The goal of our home care is to reduce the risk of readmission for seniors in our area. This includes helping prevent mishaps and events in the home that typically cause readmission. Our caregivers are supportive and encouraging during this time, while also assisting their clients with detailed recovery instructions.

Our Transitional Care Program’s Three-Prong Approach

Our transitional care program at Visiting Angels Portland addresses these concerns through a three-prong approach. Here’s how we care for clients to avoid hospital readmission:

• We begin at the hospital. Upon request from the client, we will visit the hospital to collaborate with the hospital discharge planner and ensure a smooth transition. Our transitional care program at Visiting Angels Portland also includes a copy of our discharge planning guide. This guide helps educate our clients on the causes of readmissions and prepares them for the upcoming transition. It can also be a useful tool to record important recovery information and health updates.
• We act as your “eyes and ears” at home. Our compassionate caregivers provide monitoring and support during this vital time, gathering information on the client’s medication schedules and follow-up appointments. You can have peace of mind knowing your loved one is being cared for by professionals.
• We work behind the scenes. Our office staff keep track of clients who are at high risk of readmission using specialized tools and systems. With our team on your side, you can be sure that your loved one is receiving the best possible transitional care in the Portland area.

How We Assist Seniors as They Recover at Home

At Visiting Angels Portland, our team can bring a variety of services into the homes of local seniors. Our transitional care serves as a bridge between the constant aid of the hospital and an independent lifestyle at home. We strive to assist with recovery and encourage our clients to regain independence.

Here are some of the home care services included in our Ready, Set, Go Home program:

• Mobility assistance
• Transportation to follow-up appointments
• Medication assistance
• Running errands
• Friendly companionship
• Meal preparation
• Fall prevention
• Respite Care

Your loved one will receive a care plan that is personalized to their recovery needs. It can also be easily adapted as they recover. With regained independence and health, your loved one may require less assistance and simply more companionship. Whatever their needs, we are happy to meet them as they recover at home.

We understand this time can be difficult for everyone involved. Not only is your loved one undergoing a major transition, but you are hoping for their full recovery. In addition to providing care and assistance, our caregivers also monitor their clients during each visit. With consistent monitoring and frequent updates on health and well-being, you can have peace of mind during this time.

Get Started with Visiting Angels Portland

At Visiting Angels Portland, we are proud to be your local resource for senior care. Our team consists of owners, staff, and caregivers who are passionate about elderly care. If your loved one is located in one of the following areas, consider our transitional care to help them recover in the comfort of home:

• Portland
• Beaverton
• Hillsboro
• Tigard
• Lake Oswego
• And throughout the surrounding areas

Schedule a free care consultation to get started with our services. We are happy to discuss your loved one's recovery needs and answer any questions you have. Following this meeting, we will begin working on your loved one's personalized care plan.

Contact us at Visiting Angels Portland today to learn more about our transitional care services and schedule a free care consultation for your loved one.