How to Help Your Senior Come Home from the Hospital
April 5, 2019
|
Share:
A hospital visit is rarely fun, but coming home usually is a wonderful experience. It helps if you can prepare as much as possible for your elderly family member’s return home.
Make Sure You Understand all Aftercare Instructions
Aftercare instructions are among the most important items you’ll receive from her doctor and from the hospital. These instructions let you know what you’ll need for your senior and what to watch out for in terms of her health. If you need any additional items, like a wheelchair or other durable medical equipment, the aftercare instructions should also let you know where to get those items.
Get the House Ready
Depending on why your senior was hospitalized, she might need some temporary changes at home. If she can’t manage stairs quite yet, for instance, she might need to temporarily move her bedroom to the first floor. Rearrange whatever is necessary and try to make sure you cover all the bases.
Stock up on Some Meals
Having some meals ready to go for your elderly family member before she actually returns from the hospital can make life so much easier for both of you. Talk to family members and friends about whether they can make a meal or two for your senior’s freezer. This can help you to avoid depending on convenience meals while she’s recovering.
Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If you have to schedule follow-up appointments for your elderly family member, try to do so as soon as possible. You’ll have a better chance of getting into the doctor’s office within the timeframe that she needs to be there and you’re less likely to forget to set up the appointments. You can also work out any bugs, like transportation issues, well before the appointment.
Consider Home Care Providers
Home care providers can stay with your senior when you can’t be there. They can also help you to work out the logistical issues that follow-up appointments might create. It’s possible that they can take your elderly family member to the doctor when you can’t be there. They can also let you know if they’re noticing anything that might result in your elderly family member returning to the hospital so you can stay on top of those potential problems.
No matter why your senior was in the hospital it’s important to make sure you know what you’re up against. Going back to the hospital is definitely something that she wants to avoid, and that’s something that you can help her to manage.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in East Millcreek, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
