Transitioning from the hospital to home can be complicated and overwhelming for a senior and his or her loved ones. It’s not uncommon for things to become confusing if the parties involved are unsure what questions to ask or what information is needed for their senior loved one to return safely home. Here are a few tips to ensure a successful hospital discharge and transition home.
Obtain Contact Information
First, you’ll want to speak with the discharge planner and make sure to have his or her contact information, as he or she will most likely be the main person who will make any arrangements needed for your loved one to transition back home. The discharge planner might recommend therapies or a home care agency, so make sure you have all necessary contact information before leaving. Additionally, if any durable medical equipment is being ordered, such as a hospital bed, walker, or other items, obtain the contact information for those companies as well. You’ll also want to secure a copy of the prescriptions and medical documentation used to obtain these items or services.
If your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, the Montgomery, AL, live-in care professionals at Home Care Assistance are here to help. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method was designed to promote longevity by encouraging seniors to focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental engagement, and other important lifestyle factors.
Understand Prescribed Medications
Upon discharge, the hospital or rehabilitation facility should provide caregivers and family members with a list of all medications your loved one will take once home. Make sure the list includes medication name, dosage, and dosage frequency. Additionally, look for any special instructions, such as “take only at night.” If you have any questions regarding the medications on the list, speak with a nurse or the discharge planner before you leave the facility with your loved one.
Recuperating seniors often require assistance with a wide variety of daily activities. Senior home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Plan Ongoing Care Management
Once your loved one returns home, it will be important to monitor him or her for a few days. Make sure he or she isn’t exhibiting any medication side effects or serious symptoms requiring medical attention. If you’re unavailable to stay with your loved one, you might consider hiring a 24-hour caregiver who can provide safety monitoring and support. Ongoing home care can also provide your loved one with help with errands, chores around the house, and daily responsibilities, making his or her recovery as comfortable and efficient as possible.
When searching for reliable Montgomery elder care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. Call us at (334) 593-3988 to create a customized in-home care plan.