Helping Your Aging Parent Transition From Hospital to Home

If you are a caregiver for an aging parent, you'll likely experience a short-term or long-term hospital stay with them. Hospital stays for older adults are the result of serious illnesses, accidents, or surgeries. Whether the stay is short or long, preparation can make the transition from hospital to home easier.

What To Do Before Discharge, At The Home

If your parent is stable enough, leave the hospital for a short time to prepare for their homecoming. Once away from the hospital, first and foremost, give yourself a small dose of self-care. Take a shower, if you need one. Eat a quick meal. Remember, you need to put on your own oxygen mask before you can help others with theirs!

Once you're taken care of, see what you can do to prepare your parent's home for their return. Walk through the house from the front door. Do you notice any tripping hazards? A slippery rug, maybe, or an errant power cord? Before you have to guide your parent through the house and into their room, clear the path.

Mentally, go through your parent's daily routine. What objects will he or she want within arm's reach? Phone chargers, TV remotes, and glasses are common objects older adults will want nearby. You could also store water bottles or snacks near the bed to prevent unnecessary walking and potential falls.

If your parent's stay is a long one, you may have time to prepare freezer meals ahead of their return. If you're planning on staying at the home during recovery, be sure to make enough for yourself too.

What To Do Before Discharge, At The Hospital

Discharge will be the last time you have your parent's health team in front of you, so make sure to get all the information you'll need. When you hear, "Do you have any questions?", ask some! Confirm all your parent's current prescriptions and whether any should be discontinued. Ask what restrictions your parent has during recovery.

Before leaving the hospital, double-check what care you'll need to provide at home. For instance, if your parent underwent surgery, you'll need to know how and when to change any bandages. Also, be sure to get a printed discharge summary, with instructions and any symptoms to be on the lookout for.

Getting Through The First Few Days

The first 72 hours of hospital recovery are the hardest, but they are also the most instrumental in a healthy recovery. According to a 2023 study, 15% to 20% of older adult patients (aged 65 and older) are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge.

Here are the main things you'll want to monitor in those first few days:

• Stay on Top of Any Medications - Hospital stays can add several prescriptions to an already hefty medicine regimen. Not following the medication procedure is a common cause of re-hospitalization. Set alarms on your phone and keep notes in your Notes app on when medicines were taken.

• Keep Your Parent Mentally Alert When You Can - Delirium is common in the elderly after hospitalization. Reorient your parent often; say their name, remind them of the date, and keep familiar objects around, like a favorite blanket or family photos.

• Get Moving Early - As long as your parent hasn't been medically restricted, try to get them moving early and often. Even small walks from room to room are helpful.

• Nutrition and Hydration are Key - Food is important to build up strength after laying in a hospital bed. Hydration is also important to keep the body healthy enough to recover.

• Monitor for Red Flags - Remember what red flags to look for during your parent's recovery. Are fevers normal for your parent's condition, or is it a sign of infection? How much fatigue is normal, and when does it become a problem?

  
  

We Can Help You!

You don't have to care for your aging parent post-hospital stay alone. At Seniors Fix, we have experienced caregivers who can assist your parent with personal care. Call us at 240-744-0674 for a free consultation.