A trip to the hospital can be a traumatizing experience for seniors and their families. During the hospital stay, the focus is usually centered around ensuring a successful and complete recovery for the patient. At this point, very little thought is put into what will happen after recovery and transitioning from hospital back home. This transition from hospital to home is extremely important to the health and well-being of the senior.
Here are some important planning tips:
- Meal preparation
- Hygiene (showers, bathing)
- Assistance with ambulation and transfers
- Medication reminders
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Running errands
A solid discharge plan focuses on continued, uninterrupted recovery at home, and safety is a priority. Family members must consider any mobility challenges at home, such as steps, area rugs or randomly placed furniture. Also, safety measures must be taken into consideration for bathing or showers, toileting (may need an elevated toilet seat or grab bars near the toilet). It’s also important to consider any possible challenges with ambulation or transfers from bed to chair or bedside commode.
If there are no family members or friends available to assist during this time, hiring a reputable in home care agency is a good option. Experienced Caregivers, CNAs and Home Health Aides offer gentle, compassionate post-hospital assistance for those recovering from an illness, injury or from surgery. Family members may not always be available for around-the-clock support due to other commitments, employment, etc., so a dedicated, trained caregiver not only helps with tasks, but offers companionship and peace of mind as well.
A healthy diet is important for a successful recovery. Meal preparation is one of the many services offered by trained caregivers. Be sure that the refrigerator is well stocked with the appropriate foods for the senior’s successful recovery. Also be sure that medications are filled and organized so that there are no delays in taking meds on time.
Caregivers, CNAs and Home Health Aides play an important role in post hospital recovery. In addition to assisting with personal care during recovery, caregivers communicate any changes or concerns to the agency nurse and to family members who can then communicate with the senior’s medical team. This assistance helps to ensure that the senior’s recovery is as comfortable as possible and is on track.
Proper planning and execution of an easy transition from hospital to home can greatly improve recovery time. Home health care can play a vital role in ongoing health and improved quality of life after a hospital stay.
Allcare Home Health Agency, Inc. has trained care professionals ready to help your loved one on his or her hospital to home transition journey. Contact us or call us at (919) 301-0236 for more information.
Ref: Leah Ganz, RN, BSN, DPS, Elite Home Health; ncoa.org; U.S. Dept Health and Human Services