Having a high re-admission rate at a hospital is apparently the thing to do these days. Well, we hope not for long. According to a recent Harvard study avoidable readmission rates have weighed down the medicare system with a staggering $12 billion annual ball and chain. American’s love a bridge to nowhere as much as the next country, but it seems that at some point we have to take action, especially when the answer is as simple as a little bit of managed care.
Developing and maintaing a seamless transition for seniors as they leave the care of a hospital is an essential step in lowering readmission rates and costs to hospitals and taxpayers. Steps are available for local hospitals and medical centers to receive financial support, of which most programs are offered through the Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services. Yet, coordination between “accountable care” organizations and non-profits can’t always be relied upon, as is so apparent with level of current costs.
So what steps can we take in the mean time until we can rely on these efficient and effective government programs to come into effect? Well we can always fall back on that old real estate adage, preparation, preparation, preparation. At least I think thats how it goes?
Being released from a hospital regardless of how serious the incident that put them there in the first place always comes with great difficulty for the elderly. Studies have shown that a senior’s ability to sustain their standard mental attentiveness falls drastically after discharge. While most people recover after a few months, careful attention must be paid to that individual in the time following to make sure that all discharge instructions are being followed.
Doctors know what they are doing, so follow their instructions. Well, this can be easier said than done for a senior citizen who’s capabilities have fallen off since being hospitalized, so it is always best to have someone help plan their departure and assist with those daily activities to alleviate stress and the happenstance of what may follow from them not following the doctor’s requests to a T.
Planning and filling the gaps of everyday life is not always met by some medicare workers who may stop by for only an initial visit, leaving a complete and managed recovery not fully realized. Medication management, pharmacist trips, and follow up doctor’s visits can be quite an endeavor for anyone to take, let alone a senior citizen or elder. Utilizing home health aides or care management can be a good first step in assisting with a discharge from the hospital.
Hospitals have a limited capability in reducing readmissions and maximize patient welfare from the moment they exit the hospital doors to the moment they arrive at home. Take charge and make sure that there is a defined, clear plan of care for your loved ones.
