What Helps the Most at Keeping Your Mom Out of the Hospital?

Home Care Oro Valley, AZ: Keeping Your Senior Out of the Hospital
Home Care Oro Valley, AZ: Keeping Your Senior Out of the Hospital

Between 2000 and 2010, hospitalization rates for elderly men and women declined by 9 percent. For those who do go to the hospital, some of the leading causes are falls leading to hip fractures, UTIs, pneumonia, and infections that make it into the bloodstream (sepsis). 
 
Not only can hospitalizations be expensive, but it’s not a comfortable setting for a recovery. Your mom may feel better and recover faster when she’s comfortable in her own bed. What helps the most when it comes to making sure your mom doesn’t go to the hospital? 
 
Keep Up With Doctor’s Appointments 
 
Your mom needs to see her doctor as recommended. A yearly check-up is essential, but her doctor may ask that she goes more often if she has a chronic health issue like diabetes or heart disease. Make sure she keeps her appointments. You may want to hire a home care aide to help her with appointment scheduling. 
 
Eat a Balanced, Healthy Diet 
 
All older adults need to eat a diet that’s high fiber, low sugar, and low sodium. She needs to avoid saturated fats. Plenty of fruits and vegetables are important.  
 
You want your mom to get enough protein, calcium, and antioxidants. In addition to the foods she eats, she needs to drink plenty of water each day. Two liters is a good goal. 
 
Half an Hour of Exercise 
 
Every day, your mom wants to exercise for at least 30 minutes. Mixing up the daily exercise routines is ideal. Walking is good, but a walk one day and Yoga the next is better. Adding in strength training, dance (cardio), and balance exercises is important. If she has strong muscles and balance skills, she’s less likely to fall. 
 
Reduce Fall Risks Inside and Outside the Home 
 
Check out the common reasons older adults fall and inspect your mom’s home for some of them. Missing or loose rails on stairs inside and outside the home must be added or repaired. Loose carpeting and uneven sidewalks are problems that need addressing. Slippery tile flooring in bathrooms and kitchens is also something you need to take care of. 
 
Some families are spread out in different corners of the world. If that’s the case, you can still keep your mom out of the hospital. Hire home care aides to help her schedule and keep appointments. Have them help with housework and transportation. Call a home care agency to discuss these services and find out more about caregiver rates. 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Oro Valley, AZ please contact the caring staff at Sunlife Home Care today at (877) 888-1311. 

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db182.htm