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Why Daily Support Matters After Hospitalization

When families consider home care for seniors, they often think of help with bathing, meals, or transportation. While these tasks are important, ongoing daily support plays a key role in keeping older adults healthy and reducing the risk of returning to the hospital here in Milwaukee County.

Nearly one in five patients discharged from the hospital is readmitted within 30 days. These readmissions often occur when routines and support systems break down after medical care ends. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)

Not all in-home care is medical, but having consistent support at home helps seniors maintain healthy habits that impact recovery and long-term wellness.

How Daily Routines Promote Recovery

Hospitals address medical needs, but recovery largely depends on what happens once a senior returns home. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services emphasize strong discharge planning because many readmissions may stem from difficulty managing everyday care after leaving the hospital.

In-home care supports daily routines that promote stability and safety, including:

• Regular meals and hydration
• Consistent schedules
• Support that prevents small problems from becoming emergencies

These routines help seniors feel secure and confident while recovering at home.

Medication, Meals, and Sleep Make a Difference

Taking medications as prescribed is critical to avoiding unnecessary hospital visits. According to the CDC, more than 1.5 million people visit U.S. emergency departments each year due to adverse drug events, with nearly 500,000 hospitalizations. Missed doses and errors significantly affect older adults.

Proper nutrition and hydration lower the risk of falls, infections, fatigue, and confusion – especially for seniors living alone or with mobility challenges.

Sleep is often overlooked but essential. Irregular sleep can worsen chronic conditions and affect mood, memory, and blood pressure, which in turn impacts overall health and recovery.

The Impact of Everyday Support

Seniors who receive daily living support are less likely to experience avoidable hospital readmissions. Caregivers help reinforce routines, notice small health changes early, and reduce stress for both seniors and their families.

Hospital discharge instructions can be overwhelming. Many readmissions occur because seniors struggle to manage instructions on their own. In-home care bridges the gap between clinical care and daily life, turning instructions into practical, manageable routines.

Social connection is equally important. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that loneliness and isolation increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety, and premature death (U.S. Surgeon General releases Advisory and National Strategy to Advance Social Connection). Regular social interaction is vital for the health and well-being of older adults.

Transitional Care Helps Seniors Return Home Safely

Having a strong support system at home, combined with coordinated care, helps lower the risk of readmission after a hospital stay, rehabilitation, or a skilled nursing facility.

ComForCare’s Transitional Care services help seniors throughout Waukesha County return home safely ComForCare’s Transitional Care services in Milwaukee County help seniors return home safely and with confidence. Services include:

• Reviewing hospital discharge instructions and creating personalized care plans
• Picking up prescriptions and providing medication reminders
• Assisting with reminders of follow-up appointments
• Identifying early warning signs of health changes

Caregivers also assist with personal care, meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, and home safety guidance. They can communicate with family members and health professionals when needed, ensuring everyone stays informed.

By reinforcing routines and providing consistent support, Transitional Care helps seniors heal safely during a vulnerable time.

Let’s Connect About Care for Your Loved One

Caring for a loved one after a hospital stay can feel overwhelming. A trusted care partner makes it easier to maintain routines, promote safety, and support independence.

ComForCare offers free in-home assessments throughout Milwaukee County and surrounding communities. These assessments help families see what daily support and transitional care can look like for their unique situation.

Call (262) 446-2000 or email [email protected] to schedule your assessment today.

Safe, consistent in-home support from ComForCare that helps your loved one thrive every day.

Learn more about how we can help.