Start Planning Now
When a doctor admits your loved one to a hospital or facility it’s often a traumatic experience, whether you were expecting it or not. And, as a family caregiver, it’s unlikely that you’re thinking too far ahead. Just get through one day at a time, right? However, while an aging adult is still in the hospital or rehabilitation facility, it’s important to begin preparations for the time your loved one will return home. That’s because a smooth transition home is vital to a successful recovery. Without a proper plan, the doctor may say that your loved one needs to go to a facility and is unable to return home! You don’t want that to happen to you or your loved one!!!!
One chronic condition that often sends older adults back to the hospital is heart issues. In fact, approximately 30 to 40% of patients with heart failure are readmitted within six months of hospitalization. Many issues factor into why older adults are vulnerable to problems at home after they have been in a hospital or rehabilitation setting.
One of the reasons we have so many readmissions over the age of 65 is because individuals are sent home unprepared, are unable to follow or understand discharge instruction or there is not the availability of a family caregiver to give adequate support at home – which puts them at risk.” said Lakelyn Hogan, Ph.D., Gerontologist. “The key issues that are sending older adults back to the hospital are medication problems, falls in the home and not following up with the doctor,” Hogan said. Add to that list home safety issues, nutrition, and hydration challenges. These overwhelming responsibilities for the primary family caregiver, the individual and their families can mean a difficult road ahead. This may be a sign they need help from a Home Instead Care Professional.
Planning during a crisis is never as effective as being prepared in advance. Preparation is your best strategy for avoiding the many pitfalls that can sabotage your loved one’s health and well-being when he or she goes home. This Returning Home Guide is designed to help prepare your loved one for a safe and successful transition home – one that will give your senior the best chance to stay at home.
The guide includes talking points on what to cover with Discharge planners, the right questions to ask, how care at home is the best option, what medical equipment may be needed, what to watch for in the first 30 days after discharge and how to prepare for a safe transition back home to set your loved one up for success!
Ensuring your senior loved one has a support system is vital! Not only do they need their medical needs met, but they also need their mental health and non-medical needs met. This will include someone to talk to, someone to help with Meals, someone to ensure they are able to safely walk to the washroom and someone to help ease the anxiety that may surround their hospital stay and returning home. We encourage you to download our Complete Returning to Home Guide by clicking this link. When you are ready, please call us at Home Instead Calgary at 403-984-9225. We are here to support your efforts to ensure a smooth transition back home where your loved one belongs and help prevent them from being re-admitted or worse, told they must move to Long-Term Care!
