As we age, we encounter more medical conditions and events that trigger trips to the ER. If you’re admitted into the hospital, you’ll undoubtedly have a medical team around you making sure you’re cared for and safe.
When you are discharged, transitioning back home can be challenging, especially for seniors. So, it’s important to plan carefully when this happens.
Transitioning home from the hospital requires some diligence by you and your loved ones and can include everything from reading your discharge papers to preparing your home for safe access.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offers Transitional Care Management for up to 30 days after you are discharged from a hospital or health care facility.
While this can be helpful, it may not be enough.
The Open Arms Solutions team compiled a few tips to share with you so you have the knowledge you need. Read on for 4 Ways to Successfully Transition Back Home after a Hospital Stay.
- Prepare the home
You or your loved one’s home may appear safe, however, it’s important to look at it from all angles starting with outside the home. Is the snow shoveled? Is there ice on the ground? Do you need a ramp for entry? Then, looking inside the home: Is the bedroom up a flight of stairs? Are there any tripping hazards like cords or décor in the way? You must remove any barriers that may make it difficult to enter and leave the home, as well as move from room to room.
- Have a plan for Medication Management
As we age, the number of prescriptions we need to take increases, and that process is complex. Understanding when to take medicine and getting the doses correct can be difficult for seniors, especially if they’re experiencing cognitive decline. Consider private duty Medication Management experts to help with this.
- Outsource as necessary
While family members are often a senior’s primary support system, there are repetitive tasks that get overlooked or are just burdensome. If possible, look into hiring individuals to do your grocery shopping, cleaning or even walking your pets. Alleviating the need for doing these repetitive tasks can help you or your loved one focus on getting better. Open Arms Solutions also provides 24/7 home care for seniors and has trained staff to help perform many daily activities.
- Follow up with your medical team
It’s important to stay in contact with your medical provider and attend any follow-up appointments as they’re scheduled. Additionally, knowing what warning signs to look for such as an adverse reaction to a new prescription is key so you can call a nurse or doctor right away if and when something feels off.