Three Tips to Lessen In-Home Care Stressors
In order to ensure that you or a loved one makes a smooth transition from hospital to home, you have to ask and answer a few questions first.
Where will you or your loved one go? Your own home, a family member’s home or another facility?
Will you need help getting to doctor’s appointments or the pharmacy?
Who will assist you in meal preparation, bathing, or other activities of daily living?
How long will you need the assistance of another?
The list of questions goes on but this will help you gain an idea of which direction to head in. This transition can be a struggle for many older adults and planning for this will help decrease the chance for readmission back into the hospital. Studies show that 1 in 5 Medicare patients are readmitted to a hospital within 30 days after discharge and that nearly 1/2 of the readmissions are due to social problems and lack of community resources.
If you or your loved one is returning home here are a few things that you can easily prepare;
– Move out items that can cause accidents, such as a fall. These include but are not limited to area rugs, electric cords, or anything that can limit a pathway for a walker or cane.
– Look at the bathroom, especially the shower to make sure it is a safe environment for bathing.
– Make sure all medications are organized in such a manor that makes it easy and safe for you or your loved one.
Make sure that you speak with the discharge planner or social worker before leaving the hospital. They will help guide you in the right direction.
Caring for a loved one is a very involved and important job. It requires a lot of research and dedication. Having some of the above questions answered will help guide you in the right direction. For more questions you can alway contact EvergreenChoice!
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