While winter isn't leaving without a fight, spring is coming soon! As the weather forecasts predict warmer temperatures, it's time to start thinking about outdoor activities and fun things you can do with elderly loved ones. It's definitely not the time for anyone (either us or our loved ones) to go to the hospital. But melting ice, slippery roads, and seasonal allergies can all exacerbate existing problems, so keep an eye out. The people most at risk for entering the hospital are those who have already been one or two times before.

This spring, think about investing in something really beneficial for aging loved ones: a month or two of in-home care. In-home care is one of the best ways to reduce hospitalization risks and keep seniors at home.

The primary reason seniors end up re-admitted to hospitals for second or third visits is failure to follow discharge instructions, which means not taking their prescriptions or following the right therapy or diet routines. Old issues can flare up, leading to re-admittance.

An in-home caregiver can assist seniors by helping them follow their discharge instructions, assisting with physical exercise routines or diet plans, providing extra care and companionship, and much more.

Read more from Allegiance Home Care about how caregivers can help your loved one stay at home so that all of you can celebrate the spring together!

Pam Reynolds has spent her entire career in the senior care industry, both in long-term care facilities and home health care. She is the President of Allegiance Home Care, a full service home health care agency serving the greater Washington, D.C. area, and also serves as Loudoun Senior Interest Network’s Vice President. For more information about Pam and how she can help you and your loved ones with in-home elder care, please visit the Allegiance website. You can also find her contact information, along with other in-home care resources, in our Aging in Place resource directory.