As your elderly relative is preparing to be discharged from the hospital, there are several things you can do to ensure a smooth transition to their home.
This can be a stressful and challenging time, but with some planning and preparation, you can help improve their recovery and make the process easier for everyone involved.
Checklist for elderly discharged from Hospital
Warm House
The first thing to consider is the temperature of the house. If your relative has been in the hospital for an extended period, their body may have adjusted to a warmer environment, so it's essential to ensure the house is warm and comfortable.
You can turn up the thermostat, use a space heater, or consider adding extra blankets to their bed. If your relative is not able to move around freely, make sure that the room they will be staying in is easily accessible and free of clutter.
With the cost of fuel , both electricity and gas being so expensive, assure family members that you will support them with the cost of heating as they may turn down the thermostat worried about the cost of bills.
Food
Next, it's important to consider the food your relative will be eating.
If they have any dietary restrictions, it's essential to make sure that these are being met.
You can plan and prepare meals in advance, or consider using a meal delivery service. This can help take some of the stress off of you, and ensure that your relative is getting the nutrition they need.
If your relative is unable to prepare meals themselves, you may also want to consider hiring a caregiver to assist with daily tasks.
Outpatient Appointments
It's important to make sure that your relative is aware of any upcoming outpatient appointments. This can include follow-up appointments with their doctor, physical therapy sessions, or other medical appointments.
You can help them by making a list of these appointments, and ensuring that they have transportation to and from the appointments. You may also want to consider accompanying them to these appointments to provide support and help them remember any questions or concerns they may have.
Using Prescription Delivery Service
One of the biggest challenges when an elderly person is discharged from the hospital is managing their medications. It can be overwhelming to keep track of multiple prescriptions, dosages, and schedules.
One solution to this problem is to use a prescription delivery service. This service will ensure that your relative's prescriptions are delivered directly to their home on a regular basis, so they never run out of medication.
This can help reduce stress and ensure that your relative is getting the medication they need to recover fully.
Other things to consider and plan for when an elderly person is discharged from the hospital:
Safety: Make sure that the house is free of hazards, and that your relative has everything they need to move around safely. This can include grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats, and a bedside table with essential items.
Social support: Your relative may feel isolated and alone after leaving the hospital, so it's essential to make sure that they have social support. You can arrange for family members, friends, or neighbors to visit, or consider hiring a caregiver to provide companionship.
Mental health: Recovery from an illness or injury can be stressful and emotionally draining. It's important to make sure that your relative is taking care of their mental health as well. This can include regular visits with a therapist or counselor, or even just taking time to relax and engage in activities they enjoy.
Financial assistance: Depending on your relative's financial situation, they may need help managing their expenses. This can include paying bills, managing insurance claims, and accessing any financial assistance programs they may be eligible for.
In conclusion, preparing for an elderly relative to be discharged from the hospital can be a daunting task. However, with some planning and preparation, you can help ensure that the transition is smooth and successful.
By focusing on the warm house, food, outpatient appointments, prescription delivery service, and other important factors, you can help improve your relative's recovery and provide them with the best chance of a speedy recovery.
My SOS Family Emergency Alert Service could also help support an elderly relative who has been recently discharged from hospital, by giving them an easy-to-use and activate alarm that works on an Amazon Alexa device , their home cordless phone or an app on their phone , they can easily get help from you, neighbours, family and friends.
Because My SOS Family Alarm system is available for a 30 day free-trial with no obligation or credit cards needed, and 10 activations free, thousands of families use the service for the first 30 days after a hospital discharge to provide peace of mind, show that they are there and then are free and not obligated to upgrade and continue the service beyond the free 30 day trial.