Hospital to Home: The Importance of Transitional Care

After a 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.
Especially for seniors, there are a few things to consider regarding transitioning from a hospital back into the home. After a care facility such as a hospital, where around-the-clock monitoring is prevalent, an environment where little or no interaction occurs requires advance planning to ensure the transition is smooth and safe.
What is the mobility of the person going home? Challenges should be addressed and solved before less-mobile seniors arrive home. Walkways clear? Trip hazards such as rugs? Extension cords a hazard? Handrails in the bathroom can prevent falls.
Administration of medications is essential for seniors. If multiple medications are needed, seniors may need help remembering time schedules.
After returning home from a hospital stay, follow up visits to health care providers are essential. Help seniors remember these appointments by entering them in your own calendar. Accompanying them to these scheduled visits can also help keep you in the loop regarding any new medical care regiments that may be directed.
Seniors returning home from a hospital stay may be on a restricted diet. Preparing and eating dinner for themselves may seem overwhelming at first. Help out by grocery shopping or preparing easy-to-heat meals seniors can make with little or no fuss. Balanced nutrition is critical for seniors, especially important for those who have had recent health issues.
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 and can be reached at 661-287-4200.