Getting home from the hospital can be a risky time. A Queensland study found that the rate of unplanned hospital readmission within 28 days of release for senior patients was 38.2%1. The consequences of unplanned hospital readmission can be extensive, including extended recovery periods, increased risk of infection, increased risk of falls, bed sores and muscle weakness, and even physical and mental deterioration. However, having the proper support at home when your loved one is released from the hospital can make all the difference. We have compiled this blog to help you support your loved one upon returning home from the hospital.
Find Out What Sort of Care Your Loved One Will Need
Before your loved one comes home, find out what sort of support they may need. Will they need to take medications regularly? Will they need daily physiotherapy? Will they be able to move around independently? Will they be able to look after themselves and perform basic daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and showering? If not, which activities will they need help with?
Finding out what extra care your loved one will need and what daily activities they will need assistance with is a good starting point for determining what supports may need to be implemented.
Will Modifications Need to be Made to the Home?
Speaking to your loved one’s hospital occupational therapist or physiotherapist can help you obtain advice on modifications that may be required to their home. These changes may reduce the risk of falls and make it easier to navigate the home. You may also want to have a home assessment. Modifications may include ramps, handrails, grab bars, motion-detection lighting, shower chairs, and elevated toilet seats.
Prepare the House
It is also a good idea to clear the house of clutter, remove trip hazards, and place seats that are easy to get in and out of where necessary, such as where the person gets dressed. Cleaning the home, or arranging for it to be cleaned, before your loved one gets home is also helpful as it is easy to feel overwhelmed when a person first comes home from the hospital. This includes washing the clothes and ensuring the fridge and cupboard are stocked with easy-to-prepare and eat meals compliant with any new dietary requirements. Doing too much when getting home from the hospital can increase the risk of ending up back in the hospital.
Find Out What Services Are Available
Services are often available to help support your loved one when they return home. These can include hospital-in-the-home or community nursing programs. These programs can often help with medication administration or dressing changes, which can help with recovery and avoid hospital readmission.
Consider Home Care
If your loved one needs significant extra care when they get home from the hospital, consider support at home from a specialist provider such as Home Care Assistance. Our Care Professionals can help in various ways, including ensuring your loved one takes their medication, adheres to any exercise/rehabilitation programs, gets to appointments, helps with cleaning and meal preparation, and provides company when your loved one is vulnerable.
Hospital-to-home care is a great way to support your loved one as they transition to being at home and recover. It can also alleviate pressure on you to take care of everything and reassure you that your loved one is well-cared for. Our Hospital-to-home care can be adapted as your loved one recovers and they need less support. It can also be a great way to introduce the idea of home care should your loved one need it in the future.
Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance offers viable solutions for supporting independent living. For more information, contact us today.
