After a hospital stay, bringing a senior loved one home can present new difficulties that family members might not have considered. To guarantee their ongoing recuperation, comfort, and safety throughout the move from the hospital to their home, meticulous preparation is necessary. The good news is that there are tips for ensuring a smooth transition and ensuring seniors have the post-hospital care support they need.
Prepare the House
It’s crucial to provide a secure and accommodating atmosphere for loved ones before they return home. To reduce the danger of falls, start by clearing clutter out of living areas and hallways. Installing grab bars in the bathroom, handrails on stairwells, and non-slip mats in wet spaces are good ideas if mobility is an issue.
Also, consider moving furniture around to make room for wheelchairs or walkers if they will need to be used.
Establish a Schedule
Recovery from the hospital might take time, so it’s important to create a daily schedule that matches the senior’s needs and abilities. This post-hospital care schedule might also include support from skilled nursing and home health, both of which can provide valuable support for seniors as they heal.
Focus on Medication
It’s important to ensure that prescriptions are filled on time and arranged so that it is simple for seniors to follow the prescribed dosage plan. To prevent missing dosages, think about using a pill organizer or setting reminders.
However, if medication management is too stressful, getting help from skilled nursing from a post-hospital care agency can not only alleviate concerns but also provide seniors with valuable education about the medications they’re taking.
Encourage Mental Health
It’s important to understand that a hospital stay can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. As they heal, seniors can experience anxiety, depression, or frustration.
Family members will need to be patient and supportive in order to provide emotional support. This includes having conversations about their concerns and feelings, including them in decisions regarding post-hospital care, and seeking outside support if needed.
Build a Support Team
Building a support team is crucial. Post-hospital care providers, friends, and family members can divide the work, offering both hands-on help and emotional support. Putting together a support team reduces the possibility of caregiver burnout and guarantees that seniors receive complete care. It can also reduce the risk of hospital admissions, which is a significant benefit.
Encourage Socialization
Family members should encourage seniors to maintain relationships with friends, as social isolation might slow down their recuperation. Loved ones can plan visits, give seniors a call, or have video chats to keep them in touch if they’re not able to visit in person.
When seniors can, encouraging them to attend group activities or community events widens their social circle.
Seniors requiring post-hospital care need to have their physical and emotional needs carefully planned for. Family members may help their loved one regain their independence and have a better quality of life while they heal by getting the house ready, overseeing their recovery, and offering a solid support system.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Post-Hospital Care in Morrisville, NC, please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care.
Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today at (919) 676-1070
Sources:
- https://helpathomenv.com/navigating-post-hospital-care-for-seniors-a-guide-to-rehab-and-senior-care-services/
- https://www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/care-planning/tips-returning-home-from-hospital/
- https://valleyhca.com/tips-on-bringing-seniors-home-from-the-hospital/
- https://www.rightathome.net/blog/home-recovery-preparation-tips
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