The idea of hospitalizing a loved one for the treatment of a serious illness or injury is really stressful and frightening. It can turn scarier when you consider the risks of healthcare-related infections and the potential for medical errors. Hospitalized patients are quite vulnerable and you definitely don’t want the things to worsen.
Fortunately, there are some easy things a caregiver can consider to keep their loved ones out of the hospital for longer periods. There are some signs observed in loved ones signaling a decline in health in later years of life. Early detection, observation, and monitoring can help prevent hospitalization and rehospitalization of loved ones.
1. Medical Alert Systems
The most effective way to monitor a loved one’s health is, that medical alert systems certainly help caregivers keep their elderly safe to make sure they stay away from getting hospitalized due to falls, accidents, and emergency conditions. With advancements in technology, a wide range of medical alert systems are introduced in the market with innovative features that guarantee better security and assurance for senior loved ones.
These personal emergency response systems let the user reach out to caregivers and emergency responders at the press of a button whenever they are in trouble. These devices come as a wearable button and are a combination of software and hardware that send an emergency signal to appropriate people as the user presses the button. The latest additions in the market come with a GPS facility which lets the caretakers track the location of the person to provide emergency relief.
Wall-mounting, waterproof buttons are also available to use in high-risk fall areas like kitchen and bathroom to be able to monitor senior loved ones effectively. Motion-sensitive wearables are recently introduced which can auto-detect falls and call for help even if the user is not able to press the button. Medical Alert Systems are available in a variety of designs including smartwatches like MedicSignal that keep the elderly loved one monitored continuously for health and activity.
2. Remote Patients Monitoring
Amidst the shortage of professional caregivers, remote patient monitoring services can prove to be a great aid to seniors who would otherwise find it difficult to get access to a caregiver. RPM aims to improve the quantity as well as the quality of care to ensure better health and wellness of elderly people.
Such systems connect physicians instantly and directly with the patient information to make their daily routines efficient resulting in benefits to patient care. RPM also improves the patient’s behavior through a system that keeps people more engaged and accountable for their health. When engaged and monitored through familiar platforms like mobile phones and tablets, seniors are more likely to embrace caregivers’ recommendations thereby improving their own health. Patients get invaluable assurance knowing that somebody is keeping track of their well-being and health regularly.
3. Monitoring Medication and Appointments
As senior elders are likely to use more medicines daily than any other group, one of the most important chores and challenges for caregivers of the elderly is managing prescriptions. Caregivers and family members can keep track of their loved ones’ medications and make sure they take them at the right time and in the right dosage.
Taking more pills than required and taking more pills in a day is an often-overlooked problem that can lead to further complications resulting in hospitalization. Caregivers should make sure each prescription has a clear purpose and that the benefits outweigh the potential risks and side effects. They should also monitor the doctor and specialist appointments to make sure the elderly person gets checked up for any potential signs of diseases and stays away from further complications.
Pill boxes can be used to organize medications and make the process easier and regular. A way to minimize medication is carrying them to the doctor when visiting him and asking him if it is possible to reduce the number of medicines taken every day.
4. Diet Planning & Monitoring
Ensuring a balanced, nutrient-rich diet for seniors is the best way to keep them healthy and protected against diseases and ailments. Careful meal planning and dietary adjustments can control and avoid several illnesses and conditions like low bone density and osteoporosis. As your loved ones age, certain health issues arise and they are uncontrollable.
Diet is one of the easiest and most effective ways to control the symptoms of such problems, eliminating the need for further medical treatment. As the elderly person’s body finds it difficult to absorb the nutrients and vitamins they need to remain healthy, careful diet planning is essential.
Monitoring the senior diets for healthy, balanced eating can reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar and improve cognitive function. The elderly loved ones, in turn, live longer, healthier, and energetic lives while continuing to carry out their favorite activities. Caregivers should find ways to provide the senior loved ones the nutrition they need without getting the diet to interfere with their medications and give them numerous delicious options.
5. Signs of Abnormalities
Being educated about the early signs of various physical and mental illnesses can help you detect any conditions in loved ones easily. A person with health issues is likely to stop adhering to regular personal care routines. You can find a noticeable change in the appearance of the elderly signifying that he/she is unable to adhere to their routines associated with personal appearance.
Warning signs of mental illness include skipping standard personal care tasks like makeup. Other warning signs of an abnormality include mood changes. Your loved one is likely to go from upbeat to depressed, carefree to anxious, and confident to confused when affected by early signs of depression or Alzheimer’s disease.
Senior adults suffering from any symptoms of physical or mental illness often become socially isolated. You may notice that the loved one is losing interest in activities that used to interest them a lot in the past or is avoiding social engagements. They may be suffering from an illness that makes these things difficult.
