Having an older loved one stay in hospital due to illness or injury can be a concerning time for relatives and caregivers. However, when they are released from the hospital to return home, this can bring with it its own set of unique challenges. Caring for a loved one when they are returning home after a hospital stay can be a daunting process, as there is a lot to think about including keeping them healthy, working their care around your own commitments, and determining if you are the best person for the job, or if getting extra support is needed.
Hiring Home Care
Hiring a home care service such as St Louis home care may be worth considering when it comes to looking after a senior loved one after they return from hospital. This can be especially useful if you are looking after a loved one who has complex medical issues or requires more care and support than you can provide with your schedule. Caregivers can be hired to stay at home with your loved one to be available to them around the clock, or you can work with caregivers who visit each day or multiple times a day to provide support with different things. The earlier you plan home care, the better – ideally, it’s a good idea to have something in place in time for their release.
Preparing for the Move
Transitioning from the hospital and back to their home is one of the most important parts of the process for both your loved one and yourself. As soon as you are given notice that your relative is going to be discharged soon, it’s time to think about planning transport and making sure that their move is as stress-free as possible. While some seniors may be fine to travel home in your car, others may need more specialist transportation such as a private ambulance, especially if they have complex healthcare needs.
Preparing the Home
Another thing that you will need to do in preparation for your loved one’s discharge from the hospital and return to their home is to prepare the property to make sure that it is safe and comfortable for them. If they have been in hospital for quite some time and their house has been empty, it may be worth getting a cleaning team in to refresh the place including changing bedding and making sure that dust and dirt build-up is removed.
Adapting the Home
In some cases, you may need to make some bigger adaptions to your loved one’s home to prepare it for their return from the hospital. This could include moving a bedroom downstairs, having a stair-lift involved, placing grab bars in bathrooms, or having an emergency system or software installed so that they can easily call you or a caregiver if they require urgent assistance. The adaptions you will make will depend on your loved one’s mobility levels and their healthcare needs.
Welcoming a senior loved one home after a stay in the hospital can be exciting but also daunting. It’s important to prepare in advance to ensure that they get the best level of care upon their return.
