It’s a great feeling to hear that an older loved one is ready for discharge from the hospital after a surgical procedure. However, as they hand you that mountain of discharge documents and instructions, a certain degree of stress and anxiety may start to settle in. Will the senior adult you love be able care for herself at home?
The senior care team at Dakota Home care is on hand to ensure you can arrange for an easy discharge from the hospital to home by detailing the questions you will need to get answered prior to a hospitalization or surgery:
- Who will be able to answer questions about the medications? Should I contact the doctor, the pharmacist, or does the hospital have someone else for me to reach out to with questions about care?
- Will the prescription medicines cause drowsiness or confusion?
- What symptoms should I keep an eye out for that might suggest a problem during recovery?
- What sorts of tasks might be overwhelming to perform when coming home, considering the nature of the surgery (such as taking a bath or shower, getting dressed, going up or down the stairs, picking up prescription drugs, preparing meals, shopping, driving, etc.)?
- Who is going to pick up medications? Do I need to depend on a family member for this responsibility? Will they be promptly available when a refill is required?
- What type of medical equipment might be needed (such as a walker, crutches, or telehealth tools), and who will supply them?
- What activities are not advisable after surgery?
- What phone numbers should I have on hand?
Taking the time to learn about what you and the senior loved one need to do to ensure an easier discharge from the hospital can make the transition back home a more manageable process. However, the best way to prevent post-hospitalization difficulties is by engaging the services of a professional home care company like Dakota Home Care. Our senior care experts can help older adults get settled back in comfortably after surgery, pick up prescriptions, and make sure the person stays safe and well.
Reach out to us any time at (877) 691-0015 to learn more about our home care services in Bismarck, Fargo, and Mandan.