What Post-Hospital Care Do Seniors Need to Recover at Home?

Seniors’ healthcare demands grow more complicated as they get older and frequently necessitate hospitalization. Hospitals offer vital medical care, but when seniors leave the hospital and transition back home, they need a well-thought-out post-hospital care plan. Additionally, they will need support from loved ones and, often, home care to ensure they’re getting everything they need. Some of the things that post-hospital care should include to ensure successful recovery for seniors aging in place are explored below.

Holistic Care Coordination

After leaving the hospital, seniors chances for a seamless transition back home increase when everyone works together. This means that loved ones, the medical team, any specialized services, and seniors themselves should be involved in creating the post-hospital care plan. Coordinated care also helps guarantee appropriate medicine administration, regular follow-up visits, and the acquisition of any required medical equipment. Additionally, given that loneliness and mental health issues are prevalent in older populations, this strategy also addresses the emotional and social needs of seniors.

Rehabilitation Services

Following a hospital stay, many seniors need rehabilitation services, especially if they had surgery or had a serious medical event. This means that the post-hospital care plan might require that seniors receive speech, occupational, and physical therapy in order to restore their strength, mobility, and independence. While seniors might be frustrated with this requirement and feel as if it infringes on their independence, loved ones should encourage them to give these services a chance, as they can go a long way in maximizing healing and avoiding future problems.

Home Health Care

Home health care services can offer crucial help to seniors returning home following a hospital stay.
Skilled nursing can help with daily living tasks, medication administration, wound care, and keeping an eye out for any potential issues that might arise. They can also provide social engagement and suggestions for enhanced recovery.

Tips for Helping Seniors Accept Assistance After a Hospital Stay

After a hospital stay, seniors may need help adjusting to accepting help, which calls for a kind and patient approach. It starts with encouraging seniors to communicate honestly and share their thoughts and worries about requiring assistance. Seniors who accept help can feel empowered rather than devalued by viewing it as a way to keep their independence and speed up their recuperation. Helping seniors feel more at ease with the thought of receiving assistance involves progressively introducing help, starting with simple tasks, and respecting their autonomy in making decisions.

Facilitating the transition might also involve normalizing the idea of receiving assistance and encouraging seniors to rely on their network of support. Additionally, honoring the independence and accomplishments of seniors along the path promotes a feeling of pride and success, which in turn facilitates a more seamless transition to recovery and enhanced well-being.

Navigating post-hospital care for seniors aging in place necessitates a thorough strategy that takes into account their social, emotional, and physiological requirements. When everyone works together, seniors have the support they need to thrive and successfully recover following a hospital stay.

Sources:
https://caretechinc.com/navigating-post-hospital-care-a-guide-to-supporting-seniors
https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/caring-for-your-aging-loved-one-after-a-hospital-stay

If you or an aging loved one is considering post-hospital care in Lodi, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.