When it’s time for your elderly family member to come home from the hospital, having a plan in place lets you know where you still need to pay a little more attention and get some more help. One of the biggest dangers, of course, is that your senior may end up having to go back into the hospital soon after coming home.

Talk to Her Doctor about What to Expect

Your senior’s doctor is going to have all sorts of information for you about her condition and what her follow-up care looks like. This information may include other types of treatment she might need, such as physical therapy, as well as medication and equipment needs.

Determine What Else She’ll Need

Once you know what your senior is up against after leaving the hospital, you can start to make a list of what else she’ll need. Perhaps you need to do a safety sweep of her home, installing hand rails and other safety items that she’ll need. Take the information you’ve gleaned from her doctor and be as thorough as you can about assessing her needs.

Make a Plan for Extra Support

It’s entirely possible that you’ll be able to help your senior quite a bit. But even as a family caregiver, there’s only so much that you can do on your own. You’ll need time away for your own life and simply to rest. Figure out what other friends and family members can help and keep in mind that elderly care providers can help quite a bit, too.

Ensure that You Know When Follow-up Appointments Are

Some of the most important events after your senior is released from the hospital are any follow-up appointments. These can help to spot trouble, such as infections or other problems, before they turn into massive problems that can cause your elderly family member to have to go back to the hospital.

It’s okay to not have as full a plan as you think you should have when your senior comes out of the hospital. The most important part is to follow her doctor’s instructions.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Fairfax, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 982-0050.