Having a loved one discharged from the hospital is a joyous occasion. It’s an opportunity to celebrate their progress, reconnect with them and help them recover.
But hospital discharge is complicated. Many find themselves caught off guard by the number of things they have to manage, making their family member or friend’s return from the hospital more stressful than it needs to be.
But here’s the good news: preparation can make your discharge easier. In our years of experience caring for seniors, we’ve helped many return home from the hospital safely and smoothly. Arranging everything thoughtfully won’t just keep them safe and make their life easier when they get home – it’ll make them feel incredibly welcome and cared for.
Here’s how to do it.
When Your Loved One is Admitted to the Hospital
Knowing what to expect when a senior is admitted to the hospital can make a difficult experience more manageable. Here’s how you can stay organized and set your loved one up for an easy return home:
Take thorough notes.
You’re about to receive a lot of complicated information very quickly, so take notes on everything you can. Anything you write down may help you and other providers plan care later on.
Get a time estimate.
Ask medical providers how long they expect your loved one to stay in the hospital. If you know how much time you have, it’ll be easier to prepare for their return.
Contact your local home care agency early.
Discharge might seem distant right now, but it can creep up on you fast. To prevent future stress and chaos, start planning your senior’s care as soon as possible.
If you plan to work with a home care agency, contact them as soon as possible after your loved one is admitted to the hospital. The longer they have to set up a care plan, the more they’ll be able to help.
Preparing the Home Before Return from the Hospital
The more you prepare for your loved one’s discharge, the more smoothly it’ll go. Every roadblock you can handle in advance is one they won’t have to deal with when they return. You’ll need to do some things soon after your loved one is admitted to the hospital, and others shortly before they return home.
Clear all walkways.
To make sure your loved one can move safely around the home, clear out the walkways. Make sure there’s nothing they might trip over, snag on or knock down.
Create accessible sleeping arrangements.
Depending on the reason for the hospital admission, you may need to set up a temporary sleeping arrangement on the first floor so they don’t have to go up and down the stairs.
Do the laundry, including the sheets.
Your friend or family member will need clothes when they get home. Clean, fold and put away all their laundry so they don’t have to worry about what to wear.
Unused sheets collect dust quickly; wash the sheets and remake the bed before they return.
Handle perishables and stock up on groceries.
Most hospital visits start unexpectedly, so there will probably be food left out. As soon as you can, go through the kitchen. Freeze any perishables you can and trash the rest. If their dietary needs have changed, remove anything they won’t be able to eat while you’re at it.
Just before they return, stock your loved one’s fridge and pantry with ingredients for easy to cook meals. You can also prep meals ahead of time and leave them in the freezer.
While nutritious food is important, make sure you stock up on some of their favorite meals. After days or weeks of hospital food, this simple act of consideration will mean the world to your loved one, helping to boost their mood and rebuild their strength.
When Your Loved One is Discharged
Before discharging an older adult, many hospitals will need to make sure they’ll have someone at home to take care of them – possibly 24/7.
If the hospital isn’t sure they will have someone at home, they may send your loved one to a rehab facility instead. In most cases, the best way to ensure a smooth discharge is to pre-arrange a care plan with a home care agency.
A home care agency is especially important if your friend or family member will need 24/7 care. A private caregiver can be there around the clock, but it can be hard to find a replacement if they need time off. With an agency, you won’t be left scrambling to find coverage for a shift.
Questions to Ask at Discharge
Once it’s time to head home home, there are a few questions to ask the hospital during discharge.
- Medications: What medications will your loved one need – both prescription and over-the-counter? Make sure to get full instructions on when and how they should be taken. If the pharmacy is closed at the moment, ask for help acquiring medications as well.
- Capabilities: What can they do while they’re recovering, and what can’t they do? How long will these restrictions be in place?
- Equipment: Will they need any special equipment to facilitate their transition? How can they help you acquire it?
- Care duration: Roughly how long will you need to arrange care? If they need 24/7 care, how long until they can step down to a less intensive care plan?
How to Help After Discharge
After your loved one is discharged, they may need help with everyday things like food, laundry and medications. They may also struggle with mobility, diet or coordination. Here’s how you can help:
Taking Medications Properly
Taking medications properly is the single biggest challenge for most people after a hospital discharge. Medications need to be taken at the right time, in the right way, every single time. It’s easy to make a mistake, especially if prescriptions change. That’s why correctly managing a senior’s medications is often the best way to help them recover.
Preparing Meals
During recovery, many struggle to get enough food – so make it easy for them. Ensure they’re stocked with healthy meals to help them regain their strength. Make sure to remember any dietary changes the hospital may have recommended. As we mentioned before, balancing nutrition with favorite meals will be a welcome comfort, making it easier for your loved one to adjust to any required dietary changes.
Hygiene
Daily hygiene is critical to recovery, but it takes quite a bit of strength and coordination.They’ll need a steady hand to help them take care of themselves safely.
Transportation to Appointments
Your loved one will likely need follow-up appointments at the hospital, and they’ll need help to get there.
Physical Therapy
They will likely need physical therapy after a long hospital visit. It’s crucial to make sure they do their exercises on days when their physical therapist isn’t present.
Mobility and Everyday Tasks
After a long hospital stay, many seniors are restless and want to do things for themselves before they’re ready. For example, they might get up and make a sandwich, but then be too tired to eat it. Checking in on every day tasks and helping with mobility are key.
How Home Care Helps
If you need help caring for your loved one after a hospital stay, a home care agency like FirstLight Home Care of Charlotte can help. We can handle preparations before discharge and give your family member the thoughtful, compassionate care they need once they return home. Our professional caregivers can offer 24/7 care to keep them safe around the clock.
Even if you can handle everything yourself, a caregiver can help with the basics so you can focus on reconnecting. Hospital stays are often lonely, and making an active effort to take meaningful time with your friend or family member will help them feel cared for as a person, rather than just as a patient.
If a senior you love is in the hospital, please don’t hesitate to contact us for help.