Making a Safe Transition From Hospital to Home

Coming home from a hospital or nursing home stay is such a relief — finally, back in one’s own space! But the transition involves more than just moving locations. It’s about the patient adapting to a new daily routine, managing health conditions, and perhaps dealing with new physical limitations.

A smooth transition can lower the risk of problems, prevent returns to the hospital, and increase recovery speed. That’s why, if at all possible, patients should begin planning for their transition back home before they go into the hospital or nursing home.

How Home Care Helps

Home care services are essential in supporting recovery by complementing the medical care the patient may already be receiving. Here’s how they help:

Helping with daily life: Home care workers help with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning. For those managing chronic diseases, these tasks can become increasingly difficult, making the support from home care workers vital.

Keeping track of medicines: Medication management is crucial to avoid negative reactions and ensure that treatment works. Home care providers can organize medications, remind patients about dosages, and watch for side effects.

Support with movement and rehab: Physical therapy is often a key part of recovery. Home care aides can help patients keep up with exercises, get to therapy appointments, or set up in-home visits from therapists.

Providing companionship: Home care providers offer friendship, join in with social activities, and help keep the home a positive place, which is good for emotional and mental health. This support is essential for maintaining mobility and managing pain or other symptoms related to chronic conditions.

Connecting with doctors: Home care workers can be an important link between the patient and their medical team They can report changes in the patient’s condition, including medication side effects, emotional or mental health issues, and changes in pain or other symptoms.

How Home Care Works With Other Services

Home care easily complements other health care services that an older adult might need, such as:

• Home health care services. A home health care agency nurse may provide clinical care; i.e., administer medicines, dress wounds, or provide medical exams, which are often necessary for those with chronic conditions.
• Hospital-at-home care. When recovery requires medical equipment (and the expertise to use it), this level of care is provided by hospital-at-home programs.
• Hospice care. Hospice patients typically receive visits from a nurse, a social worker, and a spiritual adviser.

A Valuable Part of the Care Plan

Adding home care services to an in-home recovery or care plan can be a big help for the patient and their support network. These services provide practical help and emotional support. What’s more, they can enhance the effectiveness of ongoing health care services, ensuring a safer, smoother transition. By creating an environment that supports healing and independence, home care services help older adults regain their strength and confidence at home. If you or a loved one is planning for recovery after hospital care, consider adding home care services for a more successful recuperation.

RightTransitions^® is Right at Home’s proprietary hospital-to-home program. Our team provides nursing services, medication reminders, transportation, homemaking, and personal care. Learn more and find free downloadable checklists, tips, and other tools at www.rightathome.net/services/specialty-care/hospital-to-home. You may also find our Ways To Pay for In-Home Senior Care: A Guide for Families helpful. It’s available at www.rightathome.net/resources/guides/ways-to-pay.

If your loved one is showing signs of needing help with the journey of aging, call Right at Home at 562-653-4480 or visit www.rightathome.net/northwest-orange-county.