Every year, thousands of older adults are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged. While some of these readmissions are unavoidable, many happen because seniors don’t have the support they need to fully recover at home.
This is where in-home care makes a powerful difference.
If your loved one is returning home after a surgery, illness, or hospital stay, having a trained caregiver in place can reduce risk and help them heal with confidence.
Here’s how:
1. Support With Medication Reminders
One of the most common causes of readmission is missed or mismanaged medication. Seniors may:
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Forget doses
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Mix up prescriptions
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Stop taking medications too soon
Caregivers provide gentle, consistent reminders to take medications on schedule and as directed. They can also notify family or nurses if side effects or issues arise.
2. Help With Mobility and Fall Prevention
After a hospital stay, even simple movements like getting out of bed or walking to the bathroom can be risky. A caregiver can:
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Assist with standing, walking, and transferring
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Provide physical support while showering or dressing
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Keep walkways clear and reduce fall hazards
Preventing just one fall can mean avoiding a return to the emergency room.
3. Monitor for Changes in Health or Behavior
When a caregiver is present regularly, they can quickly spot warning signs like:
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Changes in appetite or hydration
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Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
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Mood shifts or confusion
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Unusual fatigue or weakness
Early detection allows for early intervention—before a situation becomes serious.
4. Encourage Rest, Nutrition, and Hydration
Recovery takes more than time—it takes nourishment and routine. A caregiver can:
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Prepare healthy meals
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Encourage fluid intake
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Help with grocery shopping
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Make sure the senior gets adequate rest
These daily habits are often overlooked—but they’re essential to healing and avoiding setbacks.
5. Reduce Stress for Family Members
When adult children try to manage everything themselves, important details can get missed. Having a caregiver offers peace of mind and practical relief:
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You’re not rushing back and forth from work to check in
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Your loved one isn’t left alone while still vulnerable
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You can focus on emotional support, not logistics
This reduces stress for everyone involved—and supports better outcomes.
6. Personalized, Consistent Care Plans
In-home caregivers are matched to your loved one’s needs, personality, and preferences. This isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s personal care that adapts and adjusts as they recover.
And unlike brief home health visits (which may only last 30 minutes a day), caregivers can be present for several hours or full shifts, providing consistent, compassionate care.
Serving Families in Lake, Cook, DuPage, and Kane Counties
At One Compassionate Home Care, we’ve helped families across Illinois reduce hospital readmissions and create safe, supportive recovery environments at home.
Whether your loved one is returning from surgery or managing a chronic condition, our caregivers are here to help—patiently, professionally, and with a compassionate touch.
Next Steps
Want to prevent another hospital trip? Schedule a free home care assessment or call (847) 989-7701 today to speak with a care coordinator. We’ll help you build a care plan that supports lasting recovery.