Quality post-discharge support can help seniors recover as quickly as possible from a surgery or hospital visit. But what does this care involve?
Essentially, post-discharge care includes services like transportation, mobility assistance, and other in-home support. Keep in mind that every client’s needs are different. The client, their family, and medical staff can work together to determine what specific services are needed after a hospital discharge.
Read on as we discuss how to prepare, what to have on hand, and how to adjust living spaces. We’ll also examine how caregivers can assist with post-discharge care.
Transportation
Line up a safe and reliable form of transportation in advance of the appointment. Elder care aides can ensure that seniors get to and from the health facility comfortably in these ways:
- Providing secure transportation to and from the appointment.
- Offering mobility assistance during transport.
- Giving clients reassurance if they feel anxious.
- Transporting the client to follow-up appointments.
Staying Present
During a healthcare visit, the caregiver should typically stay present for the duration of the appointment. Taking these steps will ensure consistency of care:
- Remaining available in a waiting room.
- Bringing personal belongings to and from the appointment.
- Creating a personal care plan and preparing a list of questions for the doctor.
Medical Instructions
After the appointment, caregivers should carefully gather directives from medical professionals. This includes the following steps:
- Recording instructions from medical staff, or taking materials like pamphlets that share these directions.
- Communicating instructions to other parts of the care team, such as family members.
- Reminding seniors about these instructions.
Medication Support
The caregiver can encourage the client to take any necessary medications consistently through these steps:
- Picking up prescriptions from a pharmacy.
- Providing medication reminders at the appropriate times.
In-Home Care
Personal care aides can provide numerous forms of in-home support before and after a procedure or hospital stay:
- Readying the home environment for seniors’ return by decluttering and cleaning.
- Stocking the fridge with foods aligned with seniors’ needs, or preparing meals that support their health.
- Providing mobility assistance at home.
- Offering personal care, like help with dressing, toileting, or bathing.
- Providing overnight care.
- Offering quiet activities, like reading, crafting, or watching movies.
- Staying alert for signs of distress or decreasing health, heeding advice provided by medical practitioners.
As they tidy up a space, caregivers can also remove trip hazards and make sure the client has a comfortable and quiet area to rest in. The family may also consider rearranging furniture or installing equipment like grab bars if the senior’s mobility needs will change post-discharge. By doing so, they can help seniors avoid falls.
Importantly, caregivers should follow medical providers’ instructions for follow-up care and recuperation activities like resting, bathing, and meal prep. If any complications arise, caregivers can call a doctor to seek assistance. By communicating clearly with the rest of the care team, they can also ensure continuity of care. Likewise, the whole team can update the care plan if needed after discharge.
Skilled post-discharge care will help ensure seniors recover fully and rapidly from a procedure or health condition. By providing transportation and in-home support, caregivers can play a vital role in promoting seniors’ well-being.
To talk with a skilled professional about whether in-home care can meet your loved one’s needs, schedule a free nurse consultation call.
