What a relief it is when the medical personnel informs you that your elderly loved one is ready to be released from the hospital to return home following surgery. But as they hand you that packet of discharge paperwork and directions, some anxiety may begin to creep in. Will your loved one be able to care for himself at home?
Prepare for a smooth transition from hospital to home by acquiring answers to these questions before surgery:
- Who will take care of picking up prescriptions? Do I need to rely on a relative for this chore? Will the individual be available when a refill is needed?
- Who will answer questions about medications? Should I contact the doctor, the pharmacist, or does the hospital designate someone else for me to contact with questions pertaining to care?
- What phone numbers do I need to have on hand?
- What kind of medical equipment might be required (such as a walker, crutches, or telehealth devices), and who will provide them?
- What kinds of tasks might be complicated to perform when coming back home given the nature of the surgery? (Ex. bathing, dressing, climbing stairs, picking up prescription drugs, cooking, shopping, driving, etc.)
- What activities are not recommended after surgery?
- What red flags should I look for that could indicate a problem during recovery?
- Will the medications cause drowsiness or confusion?
Educating yourself and your loved one can clear the way for a smoother transition from hospital to home, but the most effective way to prevent post-hospitalization problems is by engaging the services of Lincoln respite care like Live Well at Home. We can help your senior loved one get settled back in comfortably after surgery, pick up prescriptions, and make sure he or she remains safe and well. Call us any time at 916-459-3220 or contact us online to discover why we provide Lincoln respite care that residents trust.