When a loved one is released from the hospital, you may feel great relief at finally having him back home. No more long days sitting in uncomfortable chairs by his bedside or listening to complaints about food or roommates.
But while there's no place like home, the transition from the hospital environment to the home environment can be tricky. It's not uncommon for problems to arise that necessitate readmittance to the hospital.
Whether your loved one was hospitalized for a few days or a few months, there are a variety of questions you need to ask and situations for which to prepare yourself to ensure the smoothest possible transition.
Is Continuing Care Necessary?
If the hospital staff feels that your loved one will still need care at home, they may order home health services. Ask the discharge planner exactly what kind of care your loved one will require. There may be medical equipment to deal with and prescriptions to administer, as well as wound care and specialized exercise programs.
Will your loved one need help with bathing, dressing and eating? How much of this care are family and friends expected to take on, and how much will be professionally administered? Make sure you know before signing the patient out.
Do You Need to Make Modifications to the Home?
Stairs can be problematic for newly discharged patients. Will you need to set up a temporary bedroom on a lower level? Will the bathroom need handrails? If necessary, move dishes, glasses and other kitchen items to lower shelves so the patient doesn't strain to reach them or risk falling off a stepladder.
What Possible Complications May Arise?
Ask the hospital staff if you need to watch for things such as fever, infection, loss of appetite, or fatigue. Some of this may be normal after your loved one's illness, but you need to know.
Be aware that hospitals themselves are breeding grounds for bacteria; your loved one may come home with a bug she didn't have upon arrival.
What's the Follow-Up Plan?
Does your loved one need to go for regular doctor's appointments? Or can he simply check in with his provider by phone?
Armed with this knowledge, you can ensure a safe, smooth, and lower stress transition for your loved one back into her home.
Sources:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Administration and Finance.
www.mass.gov
Visiting Nurse Service of New York.
www.vnsny.org
