What a relief it is when the doctor lets you know that your senior loved one is being discharged from the hospital after a surgical procedure. But as they hand you that pile of discharge paperwork and instructions, a certain degree of uneasiness may begin to settle in. Will your family member be able to care for herself at home?
The Raeford area senior care team at Carolina Hearts Home Care is on hand to assist you to arrange for smooth discharge preparation from hospital to home by detailing the questions you’ll need to have answered prior to a hospitalization or surgery:
- Who will 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?
- What signs and symptoms should I look for that might indicate a problem during recovery?
- Will the prescription medications cause sleepiness or confusion?
- What phone numbers should I make sure to keep on hand?
- Who is going to pick up prescription medications? Do I need to rely on a family member for this task? Will he/she be promptly accessible when a refill is needed?
- What kind of medical equipment might be needed (such as a walker, crutches, or telehealth devices), and who will provide them?
- What activities are not advisable after surgery?
- What types of tasks might be difficult to perform after coming home, considering the nature of the surgery (such as taking a shower or bath, dressing, walking up or down the stairs, picking up prescription medications, planning and preparing meals, shopping, driving, etc.)?
Gaining as much information for yourself and your family member on what is required for smooth discharge planning from hospital to home can go a long way towards ensuring an easier and more comfortable transition following a surgery or hospitalization.
However, the best way to prevent post-hospitalization concerns is by engaging the services of a professional home care company like Carolina Hearts Home Care. Our senior care pros can help older adults get settled back in comfortably after a hospital stay, pick up prescriptions, and make sure they stay safe and well.
Call us any time at 1-855-277-2005 to learn more about our home care services in Laurinburg, Rockingham, Raeford, Cheraw, Hamlet, and the surrounding areas.
