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INFOGRAPHIC: Preparing to Return Home after In-Patient Rehab

By Michelle Cemental

After a major medical event, like a stroke or hip surgery, seniors may be transferred from the hospital to an in-patient rehabilitation facility to continue their recovery. Once they reach certain milestones, they can be discharged home. However, returning home can pose some difficulties regarding safety, logistics, and more. Learn more about preparing to return home after in-patient rehab. 

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Preparing to Return Home after In-Patient Rehab

Seniors may spend time in an inpatient rehabilitation facility following a surgery or serious medical event, like a stroke. While returning home is an exciting step in recovery, it can also be a challenge for seniors and their families. Here are some considerations to help ensure a safe return home. 

Questions

Review the discharge plan and discuss any questions or concerns with the discharge planner and healthcare professionals. It’s important that a senior and their family understand the continuing treatment plan and are prepared to tackle day-to-day needs. 

Transportation

Seniors will need transportation to get home from rehab after being discharged. They may also require transportation assistance to get to and from doctor’s appointments or inpatient rehabilitation as they recover at home. 

Food

Since seniors have been away from home for some time, check the fridge and pantry for expired food items and throw them out. As needed, stock up on fruits, veggies, and other foods the senior will enjoy. You could also arrange regular grocery delivery or prepare freezer meals.

Cleaning

A senior's care environment may need cleaning and tidying up to help them recover comfortably and safely at home. Do laundry, take out the trash, remove clutter, and tidy up the home — paying particular attention to where a senior spends most of their time.

Medications

Seniors may have multiple medications to take, so create a plan to manage those prescriptions if your loved one is unable to track and fill them. Consider prescription delivery or designating a family member or caregiver to oversee medications.

Home Adjustments

Because seniors may still have physical weakness or limitations after returning home, you may need to make adjustments to the care environment to make it safer — like installing grab bars, moving a senior’s bedroom to the first floor, rearranging furniture, etc.

Caregivers

If a senior doesn’t have family to help with the transition from rehab to home, consider a professional caregiver. Caregivers can provide companionship, assist with physical therapy exercises, keep the home tidy, assist with meals, and more. 

Contact Caring Senior Service to learn more about ensuring a safe transition from rehab to home.  

Discover how a caregiver can help a senior after they are discharged from rehab to help increase chances for a successful recovery and help keep everyone healthy, happy, and at home. Learn more about the services we offer and reach out to us today.

Tags: Rehabilitation, Knee replacement, Stroke, Hip Replacement