Transitioning back home after a hospital stay can be difficult for seniors as they manage their recuperation. This is especially true if they’re concerned about readmissions, living alone, or struggling with any changes brought about by the hospitalization. However, with the right post-hospital care support, seniors can enhance their well-being and restore their independence. Part of this support includes loved ones and home care, offering education to seniors about self-care techniques that may reduce their recovery time and help them process their feelings about their current situation and their overall well-being.

Creating a Helpful Environment

First, as part of the post-hospital care plan, the home environment needs to be cozy and safe to encourage recovery. This includes assessing the space for any risks, like clutter in hallways, low lighting, and other issues that might make it easier for seniors to heal well. Also, loved ones should ensure any necessary aids outlined in the post-hospital care plan are accessible for seniors, such as walkers. Home care can also assist in this area, suggesting additional devices that may make recovery easier.

Empowering Seniors to Take Control of Their Post-Hospital Care Plan and Recovery

In order to help seniors feel in charge of their recovery, loved ones and home care can do the following:

• Give seniors as much freedom to take an active role in their own care as possible.
• Give them direction and encouragement, but let them make choices for their own recuperation, as long as their choices fall in line with the post-hospital care plan.
• Encourage self-reliance by allowing them to participate in goal-setting and planning.
• Create a well-defined medication regimen and arrange medications in a pillbox or app for medication reminders.
• Teach seniors proper dosages and any possible negative effects.
• Teach seniors about healthy meal planning that encourages a quick recovery and enhances general well-being.
• Encourage seniors to stay hydrated.
• Encourage seniors to find a way to stay mobile through the day while following any doctor recommendations.
• Offer emotional support.
• Encourage seniors to continue hobbies to keep themselves busy while recuperating.
• Encourage open communication.

Each of these tips not only lets seniors feel in charge of their recovery, but they also provide vital self-care strategies that can help seniors after they’ve recovered. In addition, loved ones can talk with seniors about getting enough sleep and using relaxation tools like meditation or deep breathing when they feel overwhelmed about the recovery process. Also, if the above tips have been introduced but loved ones notice seniors are struggling, it might be a good idea to suggest counseling or support groups.

Empowering seniors and providing them with self-care techniques following hospital stays includes fostering a caring atmosphere, promoting self-sufficiency, and offering tailored assistance and support. Seniors can navigate their recovery with confidence and enhance their general well-being by adopting these tactics into their daily routine and involving loved ones and home care. With these things included as part of the post-hospital care plan, the chances of a successful and sustained recovery are increased.

Sources:
https://www.ncoa.org/article/tips-for-recovering-after-being-hospitalized-with-acute-illness

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable post-hospital care in Buford, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.

We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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