By:  Nancy Lorince, CSA

"Hospitals are no place for sick people." writes geriatrician Dr. Mark Lacks in his book, Treat Me, Not My Age.  His statement is especially true for seniors.

Older patients face many risks during a hospital stay.  Lack of sleep or new medications can cause confusion.  Too much bed rest leads to weakness, and being catheterized can cause lasting incontinence.

"As many as 75% of hospital readmissions are preventable."

But the biggest risk often occurs when a patient returns home.  In 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that 1 out of 5 Medicare patients wind up back in the hospital within 30 days of discharge.  Even worse, the study found that as many as 75% of these hospital readmissions are preventable.  They are caused by poor care coordination and lack of ongoing support after discharge rather than the original health diagnosis.

ComForcare Home Care is a leader in addressing the challenges facing seniors after hospitalization.  Our Transition of Care Program starts before clients leave the hospital and continues after discharge.  The goal is to preserve health gains and reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions.

ComForcare RNs educate clients about their health conditions and discharge instructions.  We ensure prescriptions are properly filled, the needed medical equipment is delivered and that follow-up appointments are made.  If transportation from hospital to home or to follow-up appointments is needed, we provide it.

For patients who need more assistance to be safe and comfortable while they recuperate, our Certified Home Health Aides provide many services, including bathing and grooming, ambulation assistance, medication reminders, meal preparation and shopping.

Clients with chronic health problems, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension or breathing disorders, can benefit from our Chronic Disease Management Program.  Here, too, education and coaching help us empower clients to manage their conditions to maintain health and well-being.  We teach them to monitor their health and recognize "red flag" symptoms before they become a serious problem.

Most seniors want to remain in their homes and live as independently as possible.  Our goal is to provide the support they need to achieve their goals.  Families are welcome to call us at 908-927-0500 anytime to learn about our services or other community resources available to help seniors achieve quality of life in the setting of their choice.

Whether your loved one needs assistance only a few hours a week or around-the-clock, our team is happy to help! Call (732) 499-0182 to learn more about the transition care services offered through ComForCare Home Care (Middlesex North, NJ).