After a long or even a short hospital stay, anyone appreciates the value of sleeping in one’s own bed. No one to wake you during the night, no more pokes, prods or beeps and buzzes.
But, especially for seniors, there are a few things to consider regarding transitioning from a hospital back into the home. Sending someone from a care facility such as a hospital, where around-the-clock monitoring is prevalent, to an environment where little or no interaction occurs requires advance-planning to ensure the transition is smooth and safe.
Attention needs to be given to the mobility of the person going home. Challenges in that area should be addressed and solved before less-mobile seniors arrive home. Ensure walkways in the home are clear. Remove trip hazards such as rugs. Rearrange extension cords so they are not a hazard. Handrails in the bathroom can prevent falls.
Proper administration of medications is essential for seniors.  Sometimes, if multiple medicines are needed, seniors may need help remembering time schedules.
Often after returning home from a hospital stay, visits to health care providers are scheduled to monitor the progress of those on the mend. Help seniors remember these appointments by penciling them in your own calendar. Call seniors with friendly reminders. Accompanying them to these scheduled visits further ensures these obligations are met and can also help keep you in the loop regarding any new medical care regimens that may be directed.
Seniors returning home from a hospital stay may be on a limited diet. Even if they are not, preparing and eating dinner for themselves may seem overwhelming at first. Help out by grocery shopping or preparing easy-to-heat meals which seniors can make with little or no fuss. Maintaining balanced nutrition is critical for seniors, but can be especially important for those who have had recent health issues.
Following the above tips can help pave the way to a positive transition from hospital to home. Successful transitions help eliminate returns to the hospital which are common when transitions are not well planned. If you are unable to assist a senior in need, now might be the time to consider a home care provider. Comfort Keepers® can help attend to seniors in need on a full or part-time basis performing the aforementioned concerns.
Myles McNamara, owner of Comfort Keepers In-Home Care, works professionally with seniors and their families to keep seniors safely in their homes. He can be reached at 661-287-4200.