How wonderful it is when the medical personnel tells you that your elderly loved one is ready to be released from the hospital after surgery. Yet as they hand you that collection of discharge documents and guidelines, a certain amount of nervousness may start to settle in. Will your family member be able to take care of herself after the transition home from the hospital?
The senior care team at CareFor is here to provide you with the help you need to arrange for smooth discharge planning from the hospital to home by outlining the questions you will need to get answered in advance:
- What sort of medical equipment might be needed (such as a walker, crutches, or telehealth devices), and who will supply them?
- What activities are not appropriate after surgery?
- What signs and symptoms should I watch out for that could suggest a problem during recovery?
- What phone numbers do I need to keep on hand?
- What sorts of tasks might be overwhelming to complete when coming home, given the nature of the surgery (such as taking a bath or shower, dressing, climbing stairs, picking up prescription drugs, preparing meals, shopping, driving, etc.)?
- Who can answer questions about the medications? Should I contact the doctor, the pharmacologist, or does the hospital have someone else for me to contact with questions about care?
- Who will pick up medications? Do I need to rely on a family member for this job? Will they be readily available when a refill is needed?
- Will the prescription medicines cause drowsiness or confusion?
Educating yourself and your family member on what is required for smooth discharge planning from hospital to home can ensure an easier and more comfortable transition following a surgery or hospitalization, but the best way to prevent post-hospitalization problems is by engaging the services of a professional home care company like CareFor.
How Home Care Helps Ease the Transition Home From the Hospital
Our senior care team can help older adults in a wide range of ways, before, during, and after a surgical procedure or hospitalization. For instance, we can:
- Help the person get settled back in comfortably at home
- Pick up prescriptions
- Take care of grocery shopping so there are plenty of healthy food options
- Prepare meals, according to any prescribed dietary plan
- Watch for any changes in condition and report them immediately
- Provide transportation and accompaniment to follow-up appointments
- Offer friendly companionship to make each day a little brighter
- And much more
Reach out to us any time at (512) 338-4533 to learn more about our home care services in Austin, San Antonio, Waco, and the surrounding areas.