t’s such a relief when the doctor says that an older loved one can start the process of transitioning home from the hospital after a surgical procedure. Yet as they hand you that collection of discharge paperwork and directions, a certain degree of uneasiness may begin to settle in. Will your family member be able to take care of herself at home?
The Cadillac senior care team at Compassionate Care Home Health Services is available to help you with transitioning home from the hospital by outlining the questions you will need to have answered ahead of surgery:
- What phone numbers should I make sure to keep on hand?
- Who will pick up prescriptions? Do I need to depend on a family member for this job? Will he/she be promptly available when a refill is needed?
- What signs and symptoms should I look for that could suggest a problem during recovery?
- What activities are not appropriate after surgery?
- What sorts of tasks might be overwhelming to perform after coming home, given the nature of the surgery (such as bathing, getting dressed, going up or down the stairs, picking up prescription medications, preparing meals, shopping, driving, etc.)?
- What sort of medical equipment might be needed (such as a walker, crutches, or telehealth tools), and who will provide them?
- Will the prescription drugs cause drowsiness or confusion?
- Who can answer questions about the prescriptions? Should I ask the health care provider, the pharmacologist, or does the hospital have someone else for me to reach out to with questions about care?
The more information you can get on transitioning home from the hospital, the better. But the best way to prevent post-hospitalization concerns is by engaging the services of a professional home care provider like Compassionate Care Home Health Services. Our senior care team can help older adults get settled back in comfortably after a hospital stay, pick up prescriptions, and make sure the individual stays safe and well.
Reach out to us any time online or at 877-308-1212 to learn more about our home care services in Cadillac, Saginaw, West Branch, and the surrounding areas.