Why Eldercare works
When professional eldercare services are coordinated correctly, the outcomes improve. Here’s an overview of insights and outcomes.
Reduced hospitalizations and ER visits.
In a study of 226 high risk elderly patients who received eldercare services under careful management, emergency room visits were reduced by more than 50% over a 2-year period. Hospital admissions were reduced 50% over the same timeframe. Eldercare services, practiced effectively, work.
Care management is key.
Most older adults have 9 or more physicians and take 15 medications a week. Without coordination of their care, elderly people can face a range of adverse outcomes including adverse drug reactions, unnecessary hospitalizations, family stress and poor health outcomes. A designated coordinator can ensure communication among all the professionals in the equation to keep recovery and stability on track.
The effectiveness of teamwork.
SeniorBridge has demonstrated that a team approach is highly effective in addressing the needs of elderly people with chronic, complex medical issues. The team consists of a registered nurse and a master’s-level social worker. Working in tandem, this team provides the most comprehensive, efficient overall level of care:
- Coordination of in-home care, support services, and care giving
- Oversight and training of in-home caregivers
- Physician coordination
- Disease management and monitoring
- Communication with family and professionals
- Quality assurance
- Transitional assistance
- Evaluation of resources