What should I expect when my loved one is discharged from the hospital or rehab?

Although many of our clients are excited to be heading home from a rehab or hospital stay, there are some things to consider as you make arrangements! The first few days home are usually a mix of relief, adjustment, and a little bit overwhelming. That’s completely normal.

Most people feel tired and need extra time to get their strength back. Here are a few additional things that will be different:

• Routines like bathing, cooking, or even getting dressed can take more effort than expected.
• Nurses, aides, or therapists are not nearby like they were.
• Medications may have changed
• Follow-up appointments will need to be scheduled
• Familiar equipment in the hospital or SNF has not arrived yet. New equipment or supplies that show up may need assembly or organizing.
• Grab bars may not be there.
• The bed or furniture at home is lower
• The bathroom is further away or even on a different level of the house. The toilet may even be lower.
• The shower has a lip to get over vs. a walk-in.
• Socialization through activities or other residents doesn’t happen with the same regularity and predictability.
• Emotional frustration due to difficulty adjusting.

Our goal isn’t just to help someone come home — it’s to help them stay home safely and confidently. These are a few things to consider before arranging your discharge so you can set your expectation AND your loved one’s expectation.

In our next blog post, we will identify a few ways home care can help support this transition! In the meantime If you have a loved one being discharged from rehab or the hospital, give us a call, and we can do our best to help you get prepared!