Good discharge planning allows caregivers to limit the likelihood of having their senior loved ones readmitted to the hospital in the near future. Caregivers can make sure they get all of the information they need to assist with the recovery process by preventing medication errors, identifying signs of infection or relapse, and more. Following is a detailed discharge guide for ensuring your senior family member’s release is smooth, seamless, and free of problems.
Understanding the Condition Treated
The first step in safely bringing your loved one home from the hospital is developing a clear understanding of the complications he or she has faced. Ask the doctor about the likelihood of having problems return. You should also be given a list of symptoms to check for along with information on how to respond to each one.
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications and safety risks, reducing the chances of readmission. When searching for reliable Columbus senior care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Assisting Hands Home Care, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.
Medication Requirements
It’s important to have a full understanding of the different types of medication your loved one will be taking, including the recommended dosing schedule and the potential side effects for each one. You should also receive instructions for avoiding possible drug interactions and ensuring proper dietary support while medications are being taken.
Special Training
You may need to receive special training to care for your loved one after he or she has been sent home. This is especially important if your loved one will be reliant upon medical equipment or must take shots as part of the ongoing medication plan. The doctor can align you with the resources and services you need for learning how to provide the necessary support on your own.
Recuperating seniors often require assistance with a wide variety of daily activities. Home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Rehabilitative Therapy
The doctor may recommend various forms of rehabilitative therapy and other ongoing care to help your loved one regain lost mobility and functions. Find out about the suggested time frame for these services and ask for referrals to local providers.
Contact List
It’s also important to create a comprehensive contact list of all of the professionals who took part in your loved one’s treatment and who will help with his or her recovery plan. A copy of this list should be kept by the phone at all times. This list should also include your loved one’s medical insurance and health information for easy access.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses, such as dementia, may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional around-the-clock at-home care and Dementia Care Columbus seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated caregiver. Call one of our Care Managers at 614-678-5887 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.
