Hospitals Urged to Train Caregiviers

AARP Oklahoma is asking caregivers across the state to share stories about any training they received when helping a loved one come home after a hospital stay.

Nearly half of family caregivers nationwide are being called on to perform medical or nursing tasks—often with little or no guidance. In Oklahoma, 58 percent of hospitals have been cited by Medicare for excessive readmissions.

“Improving communication between hospital staff and family caregivers could reduce those numbers and help more people continue to live at home as they age,” said Sean Voskuhl, AARP state director.

AARP will share caregivers’ stories with lawmakers in an effort to pass legislation that would require hospitals to train caregivers about patients’ needs. To tell your story, go to facebook.com/aarpok.