Experiencing a lengthy or even a short stay in hospital is not something that tops anyone’s priority list. Having undergone a two-week-long hospital stay myself felt like navigating a marathon. It was an emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting experience. Throughout that time, all I could yearn for was returning home, escaping the sterile scents, the sleepless nights, and the incessant noise of call bells and monitors.
As the day of my discharge approached, excitement mingled with a nagging question: “How am I going to cope at home?” Transitioning from the 24/7 care in the hospital to, in some cases, being alone at home can be both a relief and a daunting prospect. Many seniors find themselves returning home from the hospital alone, grappling with the uncertainty of how to manage on their own.
Whether it’s you or someone you know going through this challenging experience, it’s crucial to recognize that help is available, and no one has to face it alone. Serving Hands Senior Care provides after-hospital care, delivering invaluable assistance and guidance to support you and your loved ones throughout the post-hospitalization period. Here are some ways that Serving Hands can be of assistance.
1. Provide personal care:
Serving Hands provides the support of Certified Health Care Aides who can assist you with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility. These tasks, especially for individuals returning home from hospital, can be overwhelming. Having a trained caregiver to help with your Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) can alleviate any stress you may be feeling. Additionally, having another set of eyes on your health is crucial. Your caregiver can monitor your vital signs and observe for any postoperative signs of complications. They are equipped to promptly report any concerns to healthcare professionals, ensuring a proactive approach to your well-being.
2. Medication Reminders:
Returning home from the hospital often involves a change in your medication regime or an entirely new one. Having the support of a caregiver can provide peace of mind, as they can assist you with medication reminders and ensure you take your medications at the designated times.
For those on multiple medications, keeping track can become overwhelming. Consider asking your pharmacy to organize all your pills into a blister pack. This method not only helps you take all your medications at the appropriate times, but also provides clarity on whether any doses were missed. Blister packs are an advisable way to maintain your medication regimen.
3. Communicate and Advocate:
Follow-up appointments following a hospital discharge are common and may occur frequently. Caregivers from Serving Hands can accompany you, and in certain cases, provide transportation to your appointments. Having an additional set of ears actively listening to your doctor’s advice, taking notes, and conveying any concerns to your healthcare team is invaluable, contributing not only to your peace of mind but also to the overall maintenance of your health.
4. Meal Preparation:
Maintaining a healthy diet consistently can be challenging, and the task of grocery shopping and meal preparation may feel overwhelming after coming home from the hospital. Your caregiver can provide support by either accompanying you during grocery shopping or handling the task entirely, ensuring you have nutritious ingredients at home. Additionally, if you’re following a special diet recommended post-hospitalization, your caregiver can assist you in adhering to those dietary guidelines.
5. Emotional Support:
As highlighted in the introduction, the prospect of returning home from the hospital can be daunting, but the reassurance of not facing it along is emotionally uplifting. Through active listening, empathy, and tailored support, our caregivers can contribute to the well-being of your mental health.
The journey of returning home from a hospital stay can be marked by physical and emotional challenges, however, being aware of valuable resources can help significantly. Serving Hands Senior Care stands as a valuable resource, offering assistance in various aspects of post-hospitalization care. With the compassionate aid of Serving Hands, individuals and their loved ones can find solace and assistance during this critical period, fostering not only physical well-being but also a sense of companionship and security.
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