How Home Care Helps After Pneumonia

Home care specialists provide support and assistance as your loved one returns home after being hospitalized for pneumonia.

What is Home Care?

Home care is a more personalized alternative to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It provides services such as personal care, homemaking, companionship and more to individuals living at home, so they can remain comfortable and independent for as long as possible.

Who is a Good Candidate for Home Care?

Home care can be beneficial for individuals who are getting older, are chronically ill, are recovering from a surgery or are disabled. Perhaps your loved one needs assistance with day-to-day tasks but does not need to be in a nursing home or hospital. Home care could be the right fit for them.

Home care is a valuable option for an individual who desires to maintain their independence and continue their life in the comfort of their home.

Home Care Interventions for Patients being discharged for Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria or a virus and is often a complication from the flu virus (www.lung.org). Pneumonia causes fluid to be collected in the lungs, so individuals often experience difficulty breathing.

For patients who are discharged from the hospital after having pneumonia, 18% of them will be readmitted within 30 days. If someone has recently been hospitalized for pneumonia, home care can help with their return home and aid in their recovery.

Below are services that home care can provide that align with evidence-based practices that are proven to reduce readmission rates for pneumonia.

Homemaking Assistance

After being discharged from the hospital, an individual with Pneumonia may feel weak for an extended period of time and will need time to regain strength and energy. They will need plenty of rest in order to avoid relapse. A caregiver can assist with light housekeeping, carrying items around the house and running errands and so the patient can get the rest they need in order to recover.

Help Them Build Immunity

Pneumonia typically occurs when a patient’s immune system is weakened due to another illness, such as bronchitis or the flu. Caregivers can help patients build up their immunity by making sure they get plenty of fluids and healthy liquid meals. They can also monitor visitors to make sure no one with a cough or cold is contaminating the home.

Vaccine Transportation

Getting the pneumococcal and influenza vaccine can help prevent different strains of bacterial pneumonia and help lessen the severity of the flu. Since pneumonia is often a secondary infection of the flu, getting both vaccines is critical for seniors. A home care specialist can provide transportation to and from vaccination appointment.

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.

Sources:

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.