Post Hospital Care at Home Prevents Readmissions
When a patient leaves the hospital, it often feels like the hardest part is over—but in many cases, it’s only the beginning. Recovery at home can be unpredictable and, without proper support, risky. According to research, nearly 1 in 5 people are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge [¹]. Even more concerning, studies estimate that up to 27% of these readmissions are avoidable [²].
Each readmission represents more than just another hospital bill—it means disrupted healing, emotional distress, and a higher risk of complications. For families, it can feel like a setback just when things we’re starting to look hopeful. The good news? Many of these repeat hospital visits can be prevented through thoughtful post-hospital home care services.
Understanding the Readmission Problem
Hospitals work tirelessly to stabilize patients, but once discharged, patients are often left to navigate recovery on their own. During the transition home, confusion, fatigue, and medication errors can easily lead to setbacks. Readmissions frequently result from:
- Missed medications or incorrect dosages
- Lack of follow-up appointments
- Infections or wound complications
- Falls or injuries at home
- Poor nutrition or dehydration
- Emotional distress or isolation
Without professional guidance, even minor issues can escalate into emergencies. For example, one study found that fall rates are more than four times higher in the first two weeks after hospital discharge compared to three months later [³]. Another report found that within six months after discharge, 42.9% of patients experienced at least one fall—and nearly half of those resulted in injury [⁴].
These are not just statistics—they represent real people who would have benefited from an extra hand, a watchful eye, and a caring presence at home.
The Critical Role of Post Hospital Care at Home
Home care acts as a bridge between hospital and home, filling in the gaps that can lead to complications or readmissions. Skilled caregivers and home health aides provide the support patients need during this vulnerable time.
1. Preventing Falls and Injuries
A hospital discharge often comes after surgery, illness, or weakness that affects mobility. Caregivers help patients move safely, use walkers or assistive devices correctly, and maintain a clutter-free environment. This simple support dramatically reduces fall risk during the crucial first few weeks at home.
👉 Learn more about how to reduce the risk of falls, particularly for elderly loved ones.
2. Medication Management
Medication errors are among the leading causes of preventable hospital readmissions. A caregiver can track schedules, check for side effects, and ensure that prescriptions are refilled on time—helping patients follow the plan their doctors intended.
3. Monitoring and Early Intervention
Caregivers are trained to notice small changes—shortness of breath, dizziness, swelling, or confusion—that could signal an oncoming health issue. Early intervention can prevent a small concern from becoming an emergency room visit.
4. Supporting Nutrition and Hydration
After illness or surgery, many patients struggle with appetite and fatigue. Home care workers prepare balanced meals, encourage hydration, and monitor intake—all vital for recovery and immune strength.
5. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Emotional well-being is an often-overlooked part of recovery. Returning home after hospitalization can be overwhelming, especially for those living alone. Compassionate caregivers provide reassurance, structure, and companionship, helping clients feel safe and confident.
The Evidence for Home Care
Research supports what families already know—home care helps people heal.
- A JAMA Network Open study found that nearly 1 in 5 readmissions after surgery are preventable, largely through better post-discharge support [⁵].
- The National Quality Forum reports that around 11% of all readmissions could be prevented with proper coordination and home-based care [⁶].
- A 2020 report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality noted that patients who receive consistent home health follow-up experience fewer readmissions and shorter recovery times.
Beyond the data, families often see real-world results: fewer ER visits, reduced caregiver stress, and faster returns to independence.
Home Care vs. Rehab: A Personal Approach
Many families wonder whether post hospital care can replace a stay in a rehabilitation facility. The answer depends on the individual’s needs—but for many patients, recovering at home with professional support offers greater comfort, lower infection risk, and more personalized attention.
In-home caregivers can coordinate with physical therapists and nurses to carry out exercises and mobility plans prescribed during hospitalization. Meanwhile, patients benefit from recovering in familiar surroundings—sleeping in their own bed, eating their own food, and regaining independence on their own timeline.
The Bigger Picture: Reducing Healthcare Costs
Hospital readmissions are not only emotionally draining—they’re costly. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates that avoidable readmissions cost the U.S. healthcare system more than $17 billion each year. By reducing readmissions through home care, families and the healthcare system alike save significant time and money, while improving overall quality of life.
Home Care as a Partner in Recovery
At Genuine Global Care, we view recovery as a journey—one that deserves personalized attention, compassion, and consistency. Our trained caregivers help patients transition safely from hospital to home, ensuring that every detail—from medication reminders to mobility support—is handled with care.
By combining professional skill with genuine empathy, we help clients stay home, heal safely, and avoid setbacks. Home care is more than a service—it’s peace of mind for families and a vital step in long-term recovery.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one is preparing for discharge, consider home care as part of your recovery plan. Contact us here at Genuine Global Care today to learn how we can help you prevent readmission and promote lasting recovery at home.
Works Cited
- Jencks, S.F., Williams, M.V., & Coleman, E.A. (2009). Rehospitalizations among patients in the Medicare fee-for-service program. New England Journal of Medicine.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa0803563 - van Walraven, C., Bennett, C., Jennings, A., et al. (2011). Proportion of hospital readmissions deemed avoidable: A systematic review. Canadian Medical Association Journal / PMC.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3080556/ - Mahoney, J.E., et al. (2000). Risk of falls after hospital discharge. JAMA Internal Medicine.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/485465 - Mahoney, J.E., et al. (2020). Falls after hospital discharge: The hidden epidemic. National Library of Medicine (PMC).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330456/ - Tsai, T.C., et al. (2021). Association of Preventable Hospital Readmissions With Surgical Care Quality Measures. JAMA Network Open.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2778521 - National Quality Forum (2010). Preventing Hospital Readmissions: A Care Coordination Project.
https://www.qualityforum.org/Publications/2010/11/Preventing_Hospital_Readmissions_CAB.aspx - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP).
https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/Value-Based-Programs/HRRP/Hospital-Readmission-Reduction-Program - Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Reducing Hospital Readmissions Through Home Health Care Interventions.
https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/resources/resources/readmissions/index.html
