Family Guide to Preparing for a Hospital Discharge of a Senior
Having a senior loved one discharged from the hospital sounds like a relief. Your loved one can finally come home, and you no longer have to visit them in the hospital in order to care for them. Furthermore, that usually means they are on the mend and likely to get better. Unfortunately, hospital discharge may also carry with it its own set of responsibilities. Are you getting ready to have a senior loved one discharged from the hospital? Make sure you're ready.
1. Discuss Ongoing Limitations
The first step in having a senior loved one discharged from the hospital is making sure that the family understands ongoing limitations. For example, following a major surgery, it might take time before your senior loved one can safely go up and down the stairs or go for more than a brief walk. You may need to arrange the house to make sure they can stay on a single floor. Are there new dietary restrictions, perhaps a low-sodium diet or a diet consisting mainly of soft foods? You may need to make sure that the fridge is stocked and you're all ready to go.
2. Understand Medical Needs
Before your senior loved one comes home, make sure you understand their ongoing medical needs. Ask about:
- Medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Physical therapy
- Any medical devices or equipment needed to aid in care
It's critical to make sure that you fully understand your loved one's medical needs and have taken the time to determine whether you have the means to provide them.
3. Make Arrangements for Care
Once you understand your senior loved one's condition, you can make arrangements for the care they need. In many cases, a senior loved one may not simply be able to return home after a stay in the hospital, especially if they are home alone. You may need to:
- Arrange for sitters (either other family members or hired help) to stay with your loved one during the early stages of recovery at home
- Consider an interim facility where your loved one can receive additional care while growing strong enough to go home
- Bring your loved one home with you or a family member during the early stages of recovery
Make sure you talk to your senior loved one and their doctors about their needs. For example, while some seniors may be all right overnight if they know there is someone coming in the next day, others may need a caregiver to sit with them through the night hours. By making those arrangements ahead of time, you can ensure that your family member is taken care of.
Senior Caregivers Can Help After Hospital Discharge
Having a senior caregiver on hand can go a long way toward helping after a hospital discharge, including ensuring that there is someone on hand during the difficult-to-fill overnight hours. For seniors in Honolulu and Fort Shafter, Senior Helpers Moanalua-Honolulu can help. Contact us today to learn more.