How to Make the Transition from Hospital to Home Successful
August 30, 2022
Most hospital patients aren’t fully recovered when they leave — especially after surgery or a complex procedure. Although having them back at home is comforting and relieving, the transition period can be overwhelming. Your loved one’s recovery from hospital discharge to home is crucial, but they will need to adjust to certain factors such as environment, people, and routine.
As a result, you and your family need to understand and prepare ahead of time. Here are some tips that will help you or your loved have a successful post-surgery recovery.
Make sure you understand the hospital discharge process
As the expert on your loved one, you play a crucial role in their post-surgery care. Make sure to be prepared and do some research beforehand, finding this article means you are on the right track! Understanding why your loved one was hospitalized can also help you understand what symptoms to look out for once you are home, along with what to expect in the future. When your loved one is given his or her discharge paperwork, review the summary and make sure you don’t have additional questions. Be sure to meet with the discharge planners during the discharge process. Discharge planners are dedicated professionals who help hospitals plan for a safe discharge.
Understand the medication, symptoms and side effects
Having a clear understanding of how long it will take for symptoms to improve, what types of setbacks are typical, and when you should reengage medical attention is crucial. To be able to take good care of yourself or your loved one–properly and accurately, you need to be aware and understand every single detail in regards to their medication. This can be considered the most important factor to keep in mind when you get to bring your loved one back home.
Ensure your loved one’s space is well prepared and comfortable before they arrive
Hospitals are known to be clean, well-sanitized, and comfortable. It will be much easier for you or your loved one to adjust if the surroundings are similar. Before your loved one heads home, make any necessary changes, so you will feel more prepared and the house will seem calmer. A clean and comfortable environment will help your loved one recover physically and emotionally.
Be ready to provide extra care or need extra care
When someone has been hospitalized, you can always assume that they will need extra assistance and supervision following their discharge. Even in the best-case scenario, older adults usually require time and patience to return to their routine. If you are welcoming a family member to your home, make sure that anyone else living with you is ready for new adjustments and willing to help out.
If your loved one usually lives alone, plan on having someone stay with him or her for at least the first week. If you need help finding someone, contact us today to find a post-hospital caregiver that fits you or your loved one.
Look for a post-operative caregiver if you are not sure you can do it alone
In order to take proper care of your loved one, you must consider looking for a reliable caregiver. This will help you make things easier and more comfortable for your loved one. Some doctors recommend families to look for professional caregivers especially when the family has no medical background. Just Like Family Home Care has nurses available to offer superior care directly in your home or temporary accommodation setting. Our flexible hours are designed to meet the needs of our clients following surgery, as we understand how difficult it may be to anticipate how much care you may require. To learn more about daily care, extended hours, and post-operative care, click here.
Make sure to arrange a follow-up check up with a primary-care doctor
To make sure the transition and recovery process is going well and smoothly, it is recommended to set an appointment with a doctor after a couple weeks of staying at home. In this case, you will be aware if you or your loved one is in need of treatment or extra medication or if they are doing pretty well.
Taking home a former hospital patient might be challenging at first. Surgery is a major decision that requires a lot of research and planning. Post-operative care is just as important. Just Like Family is tailored to those who are seeking the best in nursing care and know the peace of mind that comes with having assistance following surgery.