Hospital Readmission Problem:
Is Home Care the Answer?

Significance of Hospital Readmission

Older adults have a much greater chance of being admitted to the hospital than any other age group in the United States.

People aged 65 years and older make up 13% of the U.S. population but account for more than 36% of hospital admissions for acute care and nearly half of hospital spending for adult care.

This trend is expected to increase rapidly as the population continues to age and the needs of the older adult become more complex. There are currently 35 million people over the age of 65. By 2030 that number is projected to reach 70 million.

But this number of readmissions can be reduced if seniors and their loved ones take preventative measures. 

How to Avoid Readmission

Research suggests that more than 75% of readmission would be avoidable if the right care coordination and patient education were put into place.

Here are some simple ways to avoid readmission:

• Learn more about diagnosed conditions
• Learn best practices for common healthcare conditions
• Follow doctor's orders
• Maintain an electronic health record
• Coordinate care between loved ones and all medical personnel

Our health-care system as a whole would benefit if hospitals and other healthcare organizations could find viable ways to reduce hospital readmission for seniors when it is for preventable reasons. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have taken steps to encourage hospitals to take action to reduce readmission rates. Many healthcare organizations are turning to homecare to help with the reduction.

How Homecare Can Help

There are many benefits to using homecare. Caregivers can help with:

• Medication reminders
• Transportation to and from doctor's appointments
• Meal preparation & proper nutrition
• Care coordination
• Specific knowledge of common healthcare conditions
• Social needs

Download our free eBook to find out more about how homecare is helping hospitals reduce hospital readmission rates for seniors.