The Steps Necessary for a Seamless Transition From Hospital to Home

Segueing from the hospital to home is easier said than done. This transition requires considerable planning and effort. In short, it is a mistake to assume you can quickly and easily transition from the hospital to your home, even if you feel fairly healthy. However, if you plan ahead, detailing the steps necessary for the transition, it won’t be nearly as challenging.

Recognize the Importance of Discharge Planning

Discharge planning is a process that facilitates the smoothest possible move from the hospital to home. Every last subtlety of this transition is important. After all, the last thing you want is for a problem to arise during the transition out of the hospital to create drama and potentially worsen your pain.

If you are concerned about any specific aspects of the transition, do not hesitate to broach those subjects with the hospital personnel. Hospital staff members should be more than happy to help you prepare for your transition from the hospital room to your home. Prepare accordingly and you will find your discharge proves hurdle-free, drama-free and as pain-free as possible.

Anticipate What the Home Environment Will be Like

A stay in the hospital makes it easy to forget about the nuances of your home life. What is out of sight tends to be out of mind. Take some time to think about the types of activities you or your loved one will need assistance with after transitioning out of the hospital and back into your home. Write down plans for accommodating dietary requirements, medication needs, medical equipment to be used in the home, the method of transportation, and the completion of household chores.

Be sure to focus on the details pertaining to durable medical equipment that the patient will require to live at his or her Philadelphia home. Whether your loved one requires oxygen, a wheelchair, a cane, or another item, it should be ready for use immediately upon arriving at home.

Sweat the Small Stuff of Care Information

Once the senior citizen in your life returns home, your thoughts will turn to whether all of the medicine, medical equipment, and other supplies are available to ensure optimal comfort. Be sure to write down the doctor’s phone number as well as a medical care phone number that can be reached 24 hours each day including weekends so you can access care information whenever necessary.

Schedule a Follow-up medical Appointment

Now is the time to schedule your loved one’s follow-up appointment to meet with the doctor. Ideally, this appointment will be scheduled prior to leaving the hospital. If any complications, questions or concerns arise during or shortly after the transition home, make note of them so you can bring them to the doctor’s attention during the first appointment after leaving the hospital.

Contact Pristine Home Care Today Pristine Home Care is here to help you or the Philadelphia-area senior in your life live with dignity. Lean on our home care specialists for assistance and you or your loved one really will enjoy an improved quality of life. Reach out to us today to find out more about the merits of our Philadelphia home care services. You can reach us by phone at (215) 207-6779, by email at Pristinehcsmarketing@gmail.com or through our website’s contact form.