Seniors are often at their most vulnerable right after being discharged from the hospital. A smooth transition from hospital to home can prevent readmission and increase the chances of a safe and comfortable recovery. Here are some tips to help your senior loved one transition to home after a stay in the hospital due to an illness, injury, surgical procedure, or treatment.
Follow the Medical Provider’s Directions
Following discharge instructions could prevent your loved one’s body from rejecting treatment. As a result, your parent may recover at a faster rate without experiencing a lot of the pain and other symptoms associated with his or her condition. You need to know as much about your loved one’s condition as possible, which includes researching the medications he or she takes, how his or her body should respond, and what you need to do in case of an emergency. Most doctors make seniors or their family caregivers sign paperwork acknowledging they have read and understand the discharge directions.
Professional caregivers can be a great boon to families who are unable to care for their loved ones on their own. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a homecare services agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Plan Ahead
Your loved one’s home may have been safe prior to the hospital stay, but you’ll probably need to make some changes before your parent is discharged to make it easier to navigate around the home and lower the risk of being readmitted. You may need to install a ramp, remove rugs, or add more lighting. If you need to rearrange or purchase furniture, do it prior to the release date. Your plan of action should also include a schedule for you, your siblings, and any other family members and friends who will help once your loved one is released from the hospital. Decide what tasks and shifts you all will take on during the recovery process.
If you or other family members are unable to handle caring for your loved one, hire a professional home caregiver. When researching agencies that provide elderly home care, Edmonton, AB, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance.
Set Realistic Goals
Family caregivers should give their all when providing care to an aging loved one after he or she is released from the hospital, but they shouldn’t get discouraged if the recovery takes longer than expected. Every senior is different in terms of how his or her body responds to treatment. Your loved one might recover faster or slower than most seniors. Regardless, you need to remain optimistic and realistic. Expecting a miracle could lead to disappointment and anxiety. You need to know about the recovery process, outcomes, and expectations to set realistic goals and daily care routines that ensure a better outcome for your loved one.
Hire a Home Caregiver
While your parent may have lived independently prior to being hospitalized, his or her abilities may have been impacted after a surgery or an illness, causing him or her to rely more on others for help. It’s a good idea to use home care during the recovery process. An in-home caregiver can make the transition from hospital to home easier on your entire family, especially your loved one. The caregiver will know what precautions to take each day, how much physical activity your loved one should get, what foods to serve, and how to simplify other aspects of recovery. Your loved one will have someone there to tend to his or her health and safety needs like in the hospital, only in a more personal and private setting.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Call us today at (780) 490-7337 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.