After leaving the hospital, you may think that the worst is behind you. However, the transition from hospital to home can be a critical After leaving the hospital, you may think that the worst is behind you. However, the transition from hospital to home can be a critical time for older adults. New medications, mobility limitations, follow-up appointments, and changes in daily routines can make recovery challenging. In fact, 17% of senior patients discharged from the hospital are readmitted within just 30 days.
Preparing for the return home can help seniors navigate this transition more confidently. Here’s how professional caregivers can support a senior after a hospital discharge.
After the Return Home
When a senior goes to the hospital, the last thing on their minds is the sink of dirty dishes or the laundry they left in the dryer. Home care after hospital discharge can help prepare the home for the arrival of a senior.
Here are some of the easiest ways caregivers help with care at home:
- Wash leftover dishes
- Wash laundry
- Light housekeeping activities
- Stock kitchen with appropriate foods
- Provide reliable transportation
- Assist with scheduling follow-up appointments
- Medication management
A caregiver can also help identify any potential hazards that may cause the senior to fall. By getting the house in order before a senior returns, a caregiver makes the transition smoother and alleviates responsibilities that a senior’s family may face.
Be Involved in Discharge Planning
During the hospital discharge procedure, there is a period of discharge planning, which includes coordination between the hospital, a senior, their family, and a senior’s care team.
Effective discharge planning from hospital to home can help reduce potential complications. Before leaving the hospital, make sure everyone understands follow-up appointments, medication changes, activity or dietary restrictions, and wound care instructions. Caregivers can also ask questions during this planning period to make sure that post-discharge instruction is clear.
Involving a caregiver where possible can alleviate the stress family caregivers and seniors often feel after a hospital stay. Caregivers can be advocates for their clients. Because caregivers often spend a majority of time with the senior, they know their client’s routine better than most. They should be aware of preferences the senior may have. These insights can be helpful when trying to plan a smooth transition to home care.
RELATED CONTENT: How Families Can Help with Hospital Discharge Planning
Provide Personal Care
After a senior arrives at home, they will most likely need help with personal care tasks, like bathing, eating, brushing their teeth, toileting, etc. Of course, the extent of personal care depends on the senior’s abilities after being discharged from the hospital.
It will also be important to pay close attention to the senior after discharge. Some patients may experience changes in appetite, mobility, and behavior. Quality home care service includes monitoring these potential changes for any issues that may arise.
Caregivers can also help seniors follow specific instructions from their care team after discharge from the hospital. For example, maybe they need to avoid getting an incision wet. This care can help a senior feel more comfortable and can also maintain hygiene.
Cook Meals
Caregivers can provide meals for their clients. After getting home from a hospital stay, a senior may not have the energy or capacity to cook for themselves. A caregiver can step in and assist with this task. Additionally, caregivers can go shopping for their clients — or with their clients if they are feeling up to the task.
As caregivers cook, they can also implement any nutritional guidelines given by a senior’s care team. Often, seniors with chronic conditions have specific dietary restrictions to help them maintain their health. Caregivers can prepare meals that are nutritious, delicious, and within a client’s nutrition recommendations.
Assist with Physical Therapy
Seniors being released from the hospital or from a rehabilitation facility may have prescribed exercises to help them rebuild their muscles, maintain balance, or regain range of motion. Seniors may be reluctant to do their exercises — especially if they are in a lot of pain or lack energy. However, physical therapy is a key component to their recovery. Caregivers can help with these physical therapy exercises.
Not only can caregivers provide transportation to and from physical therapy appointments, but they can help their client perform the exercises. Caregivers can provide encouragement and motivation along with a sturdy hand to help seniors adhere to their physical therapy schedule. They can observe exercises to make sure that a senior is performing them correctly for maximum effectiveness.
Caregivers can also help physical therapists understand how a senior is feeling and provide valuable insight to a physical therapist to help evaluate the treatment plan.
Keep Track of Medication Schedule
Seniors may be prescribed a number of different medications after their time at the hospital, and these medicines can have different schedules that can be difficult to keep up with. Seniors and caregivers should review the prescribed medications for any updates.
Remaining in contact with their primary doctor is important. This can help ensure the correct medications are dispensed, and any discrepancies can be swiftly and easily taken care of.
Caregivers can provide medication reminders to help seniors stay on schedule with their medications and avoid overdosing, taking the wrong medication, or skipping medications altogether.
Provide Companionship
Recovery can be a long and lonely process. If a senior isn’t able to leave their home or gather with others, it can be hard for them to remain engaged socially.
Family and professional caregivers can provide emotional support and companionship to help engage seniors. They can listen and be empathetic to a senior’s situation. Caregivers can also plan meaningful home activities through a book, movie, or even just a simple life story. These activities stimulate the brain and help seniors connect with others.
The Role of Caregivers In a Safe Transition Home
While the transition home can feel overwhelming, especially in times of crisis, having a caregiver throughout the process can greatly improve their overall health and outcome. At Caring Senior Service, we offer home care services to seniors to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home. Our caregivers are specially trained to assist this transition, which can be stressful and full of unknowns for seniors and their families.
Learn more about the services we offer and reach out to us today to discover how we can help your loved one return from the hospital safely.
