Providing home care services means ensuring clients receive high-quality support while maintaining independence. However, certain risks—such as falls, medication mismanagement, and social isolation—can lead to hospitalisations if not addressed proactively.
At VisiCase, we understand the challenges faced by disability care and aged care providers. By combining effective strategies with the right technology like disability care software, home care organisations can reduce hospital admissions and improve client outcomes. Here are five practical ways to enhance safety and minimise hospitalisation risks.
1. Conduct Regular Home Assessments
The risk:
Falls are one of the most common reasons for hospitalisation. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, falls accounted for 238,055 hospitalisations in 2022–23—making up over 43% of all injury-related admissions. As people age or develop mobility challenges, their home environments may not provide the safety they need.
How to reduce it:
- Start each client relationship with an occupational therapy (OT) assessment to identify risks.
- Recommend home modifications such as grab bars, non-slip mats, and adequate lighting.
- Schedule periodic reassessments to adapt to clients’ changing needs.
By creating a safe home environment, care providers can significantly lower the risk of falls and related injuries.
2. Use Technology to Monitor At-Risk Clients
The risk:
Tracking a client’s health status can be challenging, particularly when multiple carers are involved. Without a centralised system, critical information can be missed, leading to preventable health complications.
How to reduce it:
Disability care management software can streamline communication and flag at-risk clients before issues escalate. VisiCase’s disability care software analyses care notes, client data, and care patterns to highlight potential concerns.
- It assesses the need of the client and can easily apply for the home modification funding through our care software.
- With the help of the incident reporting feature, a care note is added for the care team to understand the client situation and the caring procedure.
- The care quality can be improved with the help of advanced reporting, where a complete record of the client is mentioned for his/her better care.
- Our disability care software allows carers to schedule group activities with ease.
By integrating technology, providers can stay ahead of potential health issues and improve overall client care.
3. Strengthen Staff Training Programs
The risk:
Lack of adequate training can lead to medication errors, missed warning signs, and improper handling of mobility challenges. When care workers are not well-prepared, clients are at greater risk of hospitalisation.
How to reduce it:
- Offer training that reflects real-life scenarios and changes in client needs.
- Conduct regular check-ins with staff to reinforce best practices.
- Encourage open communication between carers, clients, and families to address concerns early.
When staff feel confident in their ability to assess risks and take appropriate action, they provide safer and more effective care.
4. Encourage Social and Physical Activity
The risk:Loneliness and inactivity can lead to faster declines in physical and cognitive health. Research published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience shows that prolonged isolation increases the risk of physical decline, making hospitalisation more likely.
How to reduce it:
- Schedule regular outings and social activities for clients.
- Encourage light exercise, such as stretching or short walks, to maintain mobility.
- Train care staff to engage in meaningful conversations and provide emotional support.
By incorporating both social and physical engagement into care plans, providers can support overall wellbeing and reduce avoidable health risks.
5. Improve Communication Across Care Teams
The risk:
With multiple carers and changing schedules, important details about a client’s condition can be overlooked. Poor communication increases the likelihood of errors and delays in care adjustments.
How to reduce it:
- Implement disability care management software to provide a central platform for updates.
- Use a client portal where family members and care teams can share real-time information.
- Foster a workplace culture where staff feel comfortable reporting concerns and observations.
Clear, consistent communication helps ensure that every care worker has the information needed to deliver safe, effective care.
A Smarter Approach to Home Care
Reducing hospitalisations in home care requires a proactive approach. By assessing home environments, leveraging technology, training staff effectively, encouraging physical and social engagement, and improving communication, providers can create safer, more supportive spaces for their clients.
VisiCase’s disability care software equips care providers with the tools needed to streamline processes, improve client outcomes, and reduce preventable hospital admissions. Investing in the right technology and care strategies not only benefits clients but also supports care teams in delivering the best possible service.
Looking for a smarter way to manage home care services? Explore how VisiCase can help your organisation enhance safety and efficiency with innovative disability care management software.
