At one point or another, most people will have to stay at the hospital for medical reasons. But, as we age, we can be even more susceptible to emergency room visits.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics 2020 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the emergency department (ED) visit rate for infants under a year was 68 per 100 infants. Following close behind, adults ages 75 years and older had 63 yearly visits per 100 adults. Children 1-17 had roughly 29 visits, 18 to 44-year-olds had 43 visits, and adults between 45-74 had 39 visits per 100 adults.
What’s important to note is that the high rate of ED visits for the senior population is often unavoidable. However, readmissions can be.
The New England Journal of Medicine found that 20% of older adults are readmitted to a hospital within a month of their initial discharge. This could be contributed to medical errors or omissions, the patient not following discharge instructions, failure to follow up with their primary care physician or specialist falls, and surgery complications.
With additional hospital visits, there is an increased risk of infection and extra expenses. We’re here to assist with these vital transitional care areas once you or your loved one is discharged from the hospital. Let us work with you to stay safe and remain home. Call us today for a free consultation and to learn about our services.
