When your senior loved one is being released from the hospital, it’s essential to make the transition back home as smooth and stress-free as possible. There are a number of ways to accomplish this and increase the odds of a positive outcome.
Explain the Process
Before heading home, let your loved one know what to expect when he or she gets there. If personal items have been moved, sleeping areas have been changed, or a caregiver has been hired, this shouldn’t be a surprise for your loved one when he or she arrives back home. Prepare your loved one by calmly and gently explaining the changes and why they’re necessary to provide the best care possible.
Provide Safe & Smooth Transportation
When leaving the hospital, make sure to have a comfortable vehicle to transport your loved one. If you don’t have one yourself, it may be costly but helpful to have your parent brought home by ambulance, especially if he or she is bedridden.
After your loved one returns home, a professional caregiver can help him or her recover in safety and comfort. When searching for reliable homecare agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Prestige Home Care Orlando, 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.
Rent or Purchase the Proper Equipment
Upon arrival at your loved one’s residence, the proper equipment and supplies should be in place. This may include a walker, wheelchair, hospital bed, or ground-floor sleeping area. Restrooms should be outfitted with grab bars and other safety devices so your loved one can bathe and attend to his or her other basic needs without too much assistance.
Many aging adults need assistance when they return home after being hospitalized. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Orlando, FL, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
Create Clear Pathways in the Home
After being confined to a hospital bed for a long stay, it may take some time to regain balance and strength. This is especially true if your loved one is still adjusting to using a mobility aid such as a walker or a cane.
Before your loved one comes home, try to have someone do a safety assessment of the house. Remove rugs and cords that could pose tripping hazards, and arrange for enough space so your parent can easily maneuver around furniture and other potential obstacles.
Have Comfort Items Readily Available
Familiar blankets and quilts, family photos, and even pets will provide extra comfort and care upon your loved one’s arrival at home. Even having a friend or two available to welcome your loved one home can make him or her more relaxed and calm. However, don’t have a welcome home party, as this may be too much of a strain and tire your loved one out.
Watch for Medication Side Effects
New medications are often prescribed before someone is discharged from the hospital. Often, these medications come with side effects that could place a senior’s safety at risk. For example, many pain medications can cause dizziness or confusion that could lead to a fall. Your loved one could also be allergic to a new medication. For this reason, you should familiarize yourself with each new medication and keep a close eye out for any potential side effects that require medical attention.
A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for medication side effects as well as any post-hospitalization complications, minimizing the risk of readmission. Altamonte Springs senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Prestige Home Care Orlando can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (407) 604-0506 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.