When seniors are discharged from the hospital, they face a critical transition time that typically requires careful preparation and support. Returning home after a hospital stay can be physically and emotionally difficult for them, as they may need post hospital care to ensure they recover completely.
Some types of post hospital care support they may need are explored further below.
Skilled Nursing
Many seniors require skilled nursing care after a hospital stay, particularly if they were admitted due to having a stroke, heart attack, or needed surgery while admitted. Skilled nursing offers specialized services such as wound care, medication management, vital sign monitoring, and chronic condition management, all from the comfort of the senior’s home.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an important part of post hospital care, especially for seniors recovering from surgery, injury, or conditions that limit their mobility. Physical therapists assist seniors in regaining strength, balance, and coordination, minimizing the risk of falls and increasing independence. This too can be provided in the home, ensuring appointments aren’t missed.
Also, while in the home, physical therapists can suggest household items that can be used when seniors practice their exercises, such as a sturdy chair or kitchen counter for support.
Occupational Therapy
Physical therapy focuses on improving movement, whereas occupational therapy focuses on a senior’s ability to complete daily duties, including dressing, bathing, cooking, and moving around the house. Many seniors struggle with these activities after a hospital stay because their physical or cognitive capacities have decreased.
Occupational therapists assist seniors in adapting their environments, typically recommending modifications such as grab bars, ramps, or specialized devices to increase safety and independence at home.
Home Health Assistants
Hiring a home health aide may be important for seniors who require assistance with personal care activities such as showering, dressing, and eating. As seniors recuperate from sickness or surgery, home health aides can give non-medical support by assisting them with daily living activities (ADLs).
Home health aides also provide seniors with much-needed socialization, which is another key component in the post hospital care plan.
Medication Management
Managing several medications is a typical difficulty for seniors, especially after a hospital stay when they may be administered additional medications or have dosage adjustments. Medication management is critical for avoiding errors such as missing doses and hazardous interactions.
As mentioned above, skilled nursing can assist with this. At the same time, they can educate seniors and their loved ones about the medications as well as point them toward support groups that may help seniors and their families deal with any emotions surrounding the seniors’ care.
Nutritional Support
Recovery from hospitalization frequently requires dietary and nutritional considerations, particularly for seniors suffering from diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or malnutrition. Registered dietitians can work with seniors to create meal programs that address their individual health needs.
Additionally, post hospital care can assist with cooking, prep work, and food shopping.
The post hospital care plan needs to cover a variety of things to ensure seniors’ path to recovery is as smooth as possible. Doing so limits re-hospitalizations and encourages seniors to get involved with their care. Also, by ensuring the care plan addresses each aspect, from physical and medical care to the emotional needs of the senior, it ensures they get exactly what they need.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Post Hospital Care in Eastlake, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aaron Home Care. (619) 880-5522
A Trusted Home Care Agency Serving La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, San Diego, UTC, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Coronado, Bonita, Eastlake, and the surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.lifeline.com/blog/hospital-discharge-checklist-for-seniors-and-family-caregivers/
- https://www.caregiver.org/resource/hospital-discharge-planning-guide-families-and-caregivers/
- https://caregiver.com/articles/hospital-discharge/
In 1999, Aaron was named Residential Program Manager of a group home for disabled adults in Arlington, Virgina. Here, he built a reputation for being compassionate with his clients and efficient in company operations. In the years that followed, Washington DC’s human services field went through unprecedented reform when the city was fined $11 million for the previously unchecked abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the very population it was supposed to protect. In 2005, Aaron was selected by a watchdog company to co-create and implement a monitoring system to safeguard and advocate for the system’s most vulnerable residents. This system is still in use today.
Aaron is now using his unique gifts and profound experience in the human service field to provide San Diego County Seniors with dependable, compassionate caregivers through Aaron Home Care.
He currently serves on the board of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council and is an active member of the Senior Advocate Network of San Diego.
Aaron Home Care is a member of the American Board of Home Care and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
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