Studies by insurer and independent researchers have found that elderly patients released from the medical facility to live in home care are far less most likely to be readmitted to the health center within 30 days. For these patients' households and health service providers alike, this is a crucial finding.
Because the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has actually cut payments to hospitals for readmissions, this has become a pressing concern for doctor. There is strong motivation to minimize preventable readmissions.
Home Helpers Home Care of Austin strives to offer the best in home care services to our clients and give our families useful assistance and assurance. One method agencies can do this is by showing their capability to reduce healthcare facility readmission rates. Avoiding healthcare facility readmissions benefits the client and family, lowers the burden on medical facilities, and makes the firm an in-demand partner to other agencies and organizations (including Medicare Advantage suppliers).
Preventing medical facility readmissions must be a leading concern for any caregiver. A few of the factors include:
- Avoiding readmission is a key metric for determining the quality of care being provided
- Households and clients employ live in home care to avoid a trip to the health center.
- Proving that you can lower readmissions is the essential to effective and meaningful referral partner relationships.
Many family members begin their search for home care frantically searching for a solution for a same-day discharge. They might not have time to search.
Families and clients turn to our agency for assistance for a variety of reasons. Among these being that they can't constantly be there with their household to protect them all the time. When clients are hospitalized, their family and liked ones may not have the ability to visit them either.
According to the Home Care Benchmarking Study, hospital discharge coordinators funneled many of their patients into home care in 2020. Although you could not prevent those clients from their preliminary hospitalization, you can make it a mission to keep everyone in your care secured from readmission.
Our caregivers are the eyes and ears for families too. They require to know what to try to find to prevent falls and other risk aspects for readmission. According to a Hospital Review, there are specific conditions that make clients more susceptible to readmission, including:.
- Heart failure.
- Acute Myocardial Infarction (cardiovascular disease).
- Pneumonia.
By paying an extra layer of attention to clients dealing with and released from health centers with these conditions, you can lower readmission rates.
What Is the Definition of Readmission?
Healthcare facility readmission happens within 30 days of patient discharge. The patient's readmission does not have to be for the same reason that brought them to the healthcare facility in the first place; it can be any unexpected readmission. For example, if a client was released after a cardiovascular disease and falls at home 3 weeks later, admission to the exact same or a different health center counts as readmission.
The raised threat of further injury is what makes discharge strategies critical. The best discharge strategies include home care for patients with severe conditions or intricate needs who do not have a healthy, available member of the family to constantly look after them upon leaving the medical facility.
How Can Home Care Reduce Hospital Readmissions?
Patients under home care face heightened risks of hospital readmission, especially if they grapple with respiratory diseases, pneumonia, or cardiovascular issues like heart attacks. Sickle cell anemia is also among the top 10 diagnoses with high readmission rates. It's vital to tailor support for these patients after discharge.
Incorporate targeted readmission reduction tasks into all care plans. Ensuring the discharged patient follows up with their primary care doctor within 30 days post-hospital discharge significantly impacts readmission rates.
Check for missed medical appointments, medication doses, and signs of mental distress, engaging with the patient's family to understand any omissions or overlooked instructions from the hospital.
Examine the home environment for potential hazards that might pose health and safety risks. Address issues like tripping hazards, blocked doorways, and ensure essential utilities like heating, air conditioning, and running water are functioning.
Strategize not only to prevent readmissions for the initial cause but also to avoid injuries and infections that might arise due to the patient's vulnerable state during recovery. Develop a robust plan to protect a patient's fragile health.
Search for innovative solutions to minimize hospital readmissions. Consider assistive devices for mobility, home exercises for strength-building, and consult about occupational therapy where needed. Employ technologies for regular check-ins to oversee medication intake, hydration, and pain management.
Efficiently collect data to demonstrate value and set measurable goals. Thorough records of procedures and their outcomes should be maintained and shared with stakeholders, showcasing the agency's effectiveness in preventing readmissions.
Home care agencies are well-positioned to address triggers for hospital readmission. Focused attention and proactive strategies can distinguish your agency and deliver essential care to vulnerable seniors.
For those eligible for VA Pension with Aid and Attendance, Home Helpers Home Care aims to swiftly provide accessible home care. Contact us for assistance in determining eligibility and applying for benefits, covering a portion or all home care costs. Reach us through our website or call (512) 883-2365.