While there are times when a hospital stay is inevitable to receive proper care and treatment, there are other instances when a hospital stay can be avoided. By taking proactive measures and seeking other methods of care, seniors can do their best to stay out of the hospital for as long as possible. We will share some helpful tips and how skilled nursing facility (SNF) care after a hospital stay in Arizona can help.
How to Help Seniors Stay Out of the Hospital
Make The Home Safe and Accessible
Many slips, falls, and other accidents can be avoided by making the home a safe and accessible place. Even if there are no histories of falls, it’s essential to be proactive and to take steps to avoid injuries. This includes:
- Guardrails on stairs
- Safety grips on stairs
- Non-slip mats in bathrooms and showers
- Improving poor lighting
- Fixing any loose railings
Other safety measures that can be taken include ensuring all locks on outdoor doors and windows are secure and seeing that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have all been installed and are working. Decluttering the home can also help make the area safe by eliminating potential safety hazards. For more preventative safety measures, read the home safety checklist the National Institute on Aging has compiled [1]. This gives a room-by-room guide of areas to check throughout the home.
Keep Up with Primary Care Doctor’s Appointments
Keeping up with primary care doctor’s appointments is also essential because issues can be detected and treated during a visit before progressing to more severe problems. Making and keeping these appointments can be vital to avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital. Regular visits with a primary care condition are also crucial to managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Don’t Ignore Unusual Symptoms
When you begin to experience new and unusual symptoms, seek care immediately. Ignoring these symptoms and prolonging care can only worsen a condition and lead to a hospital stay.
Maintain a Healthy Diet & Exercise
By maintaining a nutritious diet, seniors can stay healthy and avoid hospital trips. Making vegetables, fruit, and dairy part of a regular diet can be instrumental in caring for the body and staying out of the hospital.
Keeping active can also play a part in staying healthy. Taking a short walk and stretching can not only help older adults remain active but also help to maintain strength and prevent falls. The key is to find an activity you enjoy and be consistent.
Stay Social
Find ways to stay social and interact with people. Avoiding loneliness and staying mentally sharp can help prevent a decline in health, which may lead to a hospital stay. Many local senior centers provide ample activities to keep seniors healthy and engaged with their peers.
Medication Management
If medications are not taken properly, it can lead to a hospital stay. Taking medicines as directed can help to manage conditions and avoid going to the hospital. Many people utilize pill organizers so they can keep track of when to take medications.
Besides organizing medication, you must ensure you have an adequate supply and don’t run out. Keeping medication on auto-refill and seeing your doctor regularly can help you best manage medication supplies.
Seeking Care at an SNF after Hospital Stay in Arizona
Some patients attempt to return home too soon after a hospitalization. This can result in further injury and improper care, resulting in a quick hospital readmission. Seeking care at an SNF after a hospital stay in Arizona can provide patients with the ongoing care they need to recover from their injury properly. These patients don’t require hospitalization but may still need medical care to help them continue to recover.
Skilled nursing facilities provide care for a wide range of conditions including:
- Orthopedic Surgeries
- Infectious Disease
- Cardiac Conditions
- Wound Care
Patients can receive care from various medical specialists who can help them build the strength they need to return home.
How Care from SantÉ Can Help Seniors Avoid a Hospital Stay
Santé is a skilled nursing facility in Arizona that can provide the care many patients need to recover from various conditions. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy are just some of our team’s medical services. Our services can help patients regain the strength they need to return home and avoid another trip to the hospital safely. With four locations in Chandler, Mesa, North Scottsdale, and Surprise, AZ, patients can find a convenient place to receive care. Contact us today to learn more about our services and experience the Santé difference.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/worksheet-home-safety-checklist_1.pdf
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.