If you have ever had to take a trip to the hospital for anything other than the smooth, happy birth of a baby, then you’ll know that the hospital can be a tough place to go. The surroundings can be sterile and very confronting, especially when you are there under difficult circumstances.
When an aged relative has been in hospital for a spell, whether they have fallen over or suffered an illness, it’s important that you are ready for the care they’ll need when they are home again. You’re going to want to make sure that you are continuing the excellent care your loved one has had in hospital so that they have the best chance of a full recovery.
As far as taking care of your relative goes, it’s important to take your time preparing so things are easier when you’re offering care. After all, you’re playing a huge role in caring for your loved one when they get home – and studies have actually shown that planning for your loved ones’ care can play a huge role in improving the overall outcome.
You need to be adequately prepared with respite care support if you need it – for many carers it can be tough, and it’s important to not only be prepared but to be realistic about things as well.
Home support services
For many people when they come home after a stay in hospital, there will be an adjustment period, wherein you will have to get used to different tasks and responsibilities. You’ll need to be ready to have a teething period and let your routine settle into the new way of working.
You might have to juggle managing the household with caring for your relative, and you’ll need to get support when you can. If your relative needs certain medical treatment, such as physio treatment or care, you can often source this kind of help in home without having to go back to the hospital. Find out whether this is available in your community through a government body.
Transition care
If your relative needs to be receiving care in the hospital as well as in home there may be times when you’ll have to head back to the hospital for certain treatments. If this is the case, make sure you have appointments scheduled well ahead of time and you’re ready for them so that they aren’t missed and you’re definitely free.
Equipment
If your loved one needs special equipment, such as a hoist or a certain modification to the shower in order to stay safe and well, be sure to sort this out in advance. You need to make sure ramps, handrails, non slip surfaces and any other modifications have been done so that, when your relative comes home, they don’t need to worry about anything. You might need an emergency alarm or a monitoring system – think about getting this for your loved one if they’re alone for periods of the day.
Support networks
Ensure that you are giving the best possible standard of care when you are choosing how to deliver the care in your home, and make sure you have a good support network around you. There are various community treatment groups and fitness classes which are a good idea to join if you can. Staying active and making sure that your loved one has a real sense of community is important – as much as it is for them to have their independence as much as possible.
Back up plan
Remember that this may not be an easy thing to do, and you will need to adjust to how things are. Take care of yourself and your mental health and things will go smoothly. Have a plan in place for how to manage change, and be sure to communicate openly and honestly with your loved one so that nothing is left unsaid.
This is definitely needed advice for all of us with aging parents. There is so much to look into if they have a disease or are recovering from an illness or surgery after a hospital stay.