Professional care can help with hospital-to-home transition
At some point, it is likely that a person will spend time in a hospital. The transition back to home can be particularly troublesome for seniors, although a little planning can make it much easier on the patient and caregiver.
In addition to permanent services, Superior Senior Care can provide temporary care after a hospital visit, with fees that are typically less than an agency setting or nursing home. A licensed and accredited caregiver referral service, Superior Senior Care also offers full client participation in the treatment plan, excellent continuity of care and top-performing caregivers with low turnover.
These tips can help with the transition from hospital to home:
• Plan early. Learn when the discharge date will be and find out what will be needed at home. Talk with hospital staff about what equipment can make recovery at home easier. Seek recommendations on nearby medical supply stores and other vendors of supplies and services, such as visiting nurses.
• Rearrange the home. Patients using crutches or a wheelchair may need extra space to get around. If the patient normally sleeps upstairs, a bed may needed downstairs instead. Ramps may need to be installed over stairs.
• Make a central list of important phone numbers, including the primary-care doctor and local pharmacy, so that contact information is readily accessible in case of emergency.
• Expect extra costs. Some procedures may be covered by health insurance, while others may not. Family members may have to rally together to offset costs. Superior Senior Care accepts private pay, Medicaid and veterans program services.
• Get help. Many family members want to be the sole caregiver for a parent or spouse who has left the hospital, but the demand of around-theclock care can be overwhelming. Family members should not be embarrassed to ask for help, as providing the best care for the patient is the priority.
• Patient support: The newly discharged patient may have mixed feelings about being at home and fawned over. Therefore, caregivers should tread lightly to develop a strategy that works well for everyone. The experienced caregivers at Superior Senior Care know how to make a post-operative patient comfortable.