Preparing for hospital discharge before leaving is essential for recovery. Many individuals, especially older adults, need extra care to recuperate fully. Being discharged from the hospital means that the doctor has determined that someone no longer needs hospital-level care. That doesn’t mean they are fully recovered.
Many choose to heal at home after the hospital, and the current pandemic is also making hospital to home recovery more crucial than ever before. A well-planned transition back home for older adults can help continue recovery without any major problems.
Hospital Discharge Checklist for Caregivers
A successful hospital discharge means recovery continues without interruption. Before your older loved one is discharged, here are some considerations to think about below.
Is home a safe place for your loved one to recover?
Thinking about mobility challenges indoors is critical if older adult family members are returning home or staying with you. Steps and rugs need to be assessed and clutter removed from the floor beforehand. If you are concerned about creating a safe space, home health care professionals offer home evaluations before your loved one returns.
What transportation options are there?
Create a plan about who is going to drive your loved one back home. Will it be you, another family member, friend, or caregiver? There are a lot of transportation options available for seniors that can be scheduled before discharge.
Have any medications changed?
Any medications your loved one was taking might have changed while they were hospitalized. Be sure you and your family understand any new medications, schedules, and dosages needed before going home. If going to the pharmacy will be a challenge, you can ask if it’s possible to be discharged with the medications or use a medication management service to help your loved one stay on schedule.
Are all necessities at home?
If your loved one is recovering a home by themselves, it may be difficult for them to run errands, so be sure that the fridge is fully stocked. You can ask family, friends, or a caregiver to assist with running errands or getting necessary food items. Use meal planning to help get nutritious foods that your loved one will enjoy to help them recuperate.
Is all necessary medical equipment at home?
Needs can change during and after recovery. Does your loved one need a walker, shower chair, or commode? You can talk about these needs with the hospital and arrange for the equipment before discharge. Some home health care agencies can also assist in getting medical supplies.
Will assistance be needed with cooking, cleaning, or laundry?
No matter if your loved one is recuperating at their home or with you, managing a household can be difficult after hospitalization. If your loved one lives alone, home health care can assist with running errands, cooking, and doing laundry to make the transition less stressful.
Is your loved one eligible for home health care?
Before discharge, talk to your hospital team if your loved one is eligible for home health care. If they are, it can be reimbursed through Medicare. A doctor can make a referral, so home health care services can help improve care at home.
Starting the Transition to Home Care
For those who qualify or want more assistance at home for their senior family members, home health care services can improve recovery care at home. It’s a good idea to contact an agency before discharge to develop a return home plan. Agencies like Westchester Family Care can accommodate the needs of seniors returning from the hospital.
Professional Caregivers work with families to:
- Match your loved one with a dedicated caregiver or care team.
- Ensure transportation services are put in place before discharge. Caregivers can use their own vehicle or a client’s.
- Provide a home evaluation to ensure safety and prevent falls while recuperating.
- Offer 7 to 10 days of care during the period of high-risk readmittance
- Provide personal care services including bathing, grooming, dressing,
toileting, light housekeeping, meal preparation, manicures, pedicures, and haircuts.
If you are interested in learning more about home care services when transitioning from hospital to home, contact Westchester Family Care for an immediate family need or when planning for future care.