Helping an Elderly Loved One Move Back Home from the Hospital

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How to Help Seniors Move from the Hospital to Home in Tampa Bay, FL

 

Having a senior loved one in the hospital can be an overwhelming experience for many caregivers. While it’s great news when the doctors decide your loved one can go home, there are some steps you need to take to prepare for caring for him or her at home.

Manage Medications

Your parent’s doctors are likely to prescribe new medicines while he or she is in the hospital. As the family caregiver, make sure you understand the instructions for all new medications and any interactions they may have with other medicines your loved one takes. While your loved one is in the hospital, insist that someone look carefully at his or her medication list, including any supplements he or she takes on a regular basis. Medicines often interact with each other as well as with certain foods and other substances. Now is the time to check those interactions and ask the doctors to find alternatives for medicines that could hinder your loved one’s recovery. 

After your loved one returns home, a professional caregiver can help him or her recover in safety and comfort. When searching for reliable senior care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, 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.

Make Changes to the Home

Depending on your loved one’s condition, changes may need to be made throughout the home. Ramps may need to be constructed, and your parent’s bedroom may require rearranging. Consider installing grab bars and raised toilets in the bathrooms to increase your loved one’s safety and comfort. Ask friends and family to help with making these changes.

Have Comfort Items Readily Available

Familiar blankets and coverlets, 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 parent home can make him or her more relaxed and calm.

Prevent Falls

Many seniors end up back in the hospital because of falls while they’re still recovering from illnesses or injuries at home. Make sure the floors in your parent’s home are clear of throw rugs, debris, and other fall hazards. Ensure all areas of the home are brightly lit. Your loved one should be able to reach a light easily from his or her bed.

Many aging adults need assistance when they return home after being hospitalized. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Clearwater seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.

Prepare for Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up medical care is essential to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home. Your loved one may need to see numerous specialists. Know when appointments are scheduled or what you need to do to schedule these appointments. Put all of this information on a calendar and keep it where everyone can see it.

Arrange for Assistance

You may become easily overwhelmed by all the changes that are happening quickly. Therefore, hiring a professional caregiver may be a perfect solution. Professional caregivers often have plenty of great ideas about how to make things easier for seniors. They also free up your time by doing basic tasks around the house, allowing you to focus on taking time for yourself and spending quality time with your loved one.

Clearwater in-home 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. Call Home Care Assistance at (727) 330-7862 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans

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