Written by Apex Healthcare

Preventing Elderly Hospital Admissions

It’s no secret that as we age, our health needs become more complex, and sometimes, this complexity leads to hospital visits. However, many of these visits can be prevented with the right knowledge and care. So, let’s dive into some simple and understanding ways we can support ourselves or ageing family members and potentially reduce the need for hospital admissions. The leading causes of hospital admissions among older adults can vary by region and country, but generally, some common reasons include:

Common Leading Causes:

• Falls are a significant concern, often due to factors like muscle strength and balance. By enhancing home safety, engaging in regular gentle exercise, and reviewing medications, we can greatly reduce this risk.

• Heart health is paramount, with conditions such as congestive heart failure being common. Adopting a diet rich in heart-healthy foods, maintaining an active lifestyle, and managing medications are key steps toward better heart health.

• Respiratory conditions, including COPD and asthma, require attention to air quality, avoiding smoking, and staying current with vaccinations to prevent complications.

• Strokes, resulting from interrupted blood flow to the brain, remind us of the importance of managing hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol through healthy lifestyle choices.

• Infections, more likely as our bodies change, can be prevented through good hygiene practices, vaccinations, and early treatment.

• Diabetes management is crucial, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity.

• Cancer risks can be mitigated with regular screenings and a lifestyle that avoids known carcinogens, like tobacco.

• Bone health, especially in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures, benefits from a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, along with regular exercise.

• Maintaining kidney and urinary health involves staying hydrated and avoiding irritants, emphasizing the importance of early symptom treatment.

• Cognitive health, including challenges like Alzheimer’s and dementia, may benefit from engaging in mental and physical activities and following a nutritious diet.

Understanding our specific health needs and risks as we age, and adapting strategies accordingly, is key for effective prevention and management of our health challengers that can lead to hospital admissions.

Tips to Help Prevent Common Reasons for Hospital Visits

1.Create Personalised Care Plans:

• Advice: Have a care plan tailored to your unique health needs and risks.

• Benefit: This can significantly lower the chances of health problems requiring hospital care.

2. Prevent Falls:

• Advice: Perform safety checks and make necessary adjustments in your living space to reduce fall risks.

• Benefit: Fewer falls lead to fewer hospital admissions.

3. Manage Medications Effectively:

• Advice: Ensure you’re taking medications as prescribed to avoid negative effects or complications.

• Benefit: This prevents health issues related to incorrect medication use.

4. Regular Health Monitoring:

• Advice: Keep track of vital health indicators and consult with healthcare providers as needed, possibly using telehealth.

• Benefit: Early detection and management of health conditions.

5. Educate Yourself and Family:

• Advice: Learn about preventative measures, common health issue signs, and when to seek medical help.

• Benefit: Increases awareness and prompt action, improving outcomes.

6. Support Good Nutrition:

• Advice: Focus on balanced diets and consider meal planning services for nutritional needs.

• Benefit: Good nutrition supports overall health and helps manage existing conditions.

7. Stay Physically Active:

• Advice: Engage in regular physical activity suited to your abilities to enhance strength and balance.

• Benefit: This can decrease the risk of falls and other health issues.

8. Engage Socially:

• Advice: Maintain social connections to support mental health and cognitive function.

• Benefit: Social engagement can reduce the risk of mental health challenges and cognitive decline.

9. Have Emergency Protocols in Place:

• Advice: Establish clear emergency plans for quick response and efficient communication with healthcare providers.

• Benefit: Reduces the severity of health issues and the need for hospitalization.

10. Collaborate with Healthcare Providers:

• Advice: Ensure regular communication and coordination with your healthcare team.

• Benefit: Coordinated care enhances the quality of healthcare outcomes.

11. Embrace Technology for Health Monitoring:

• Advice: Utilise technology tools for continuous health monitoring and easy communication with your care team.

• Benefit: Provides timely health support and intervention.

12. Seek Mental Health Support When Needed:

• Advice: Be open to seeking help for mental health concerns through counseling or therapy.

• Benefit: Addressing mental health proactively can prevent crises that lead to hospitalization.

13. Ensure Access to Transportation for Medical Appointments:

• Advice: Plan for reliable transportation to healthcare appointments to maintain continuous care.

• Benefit: Consistent healthcare access promotes preventive care and ongoing health management.

By adopting these strategies, we can play an active role in maintaining our health and well-being, potentially reducing the need for hospital admissions. Sharing this knowledge helps empower our community to take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle.