The right support and at Northern MI home care after a hospital stay or outpatient procedure can influence how well your recovery goes. A smooth transition from hospital or outpatient clinic to home is essential if you want to avoid complications or being readmitted.
Patients often ask doctors and nurses how long it will be before they are back to normal. Although no one knows exactly how rapidly any individual will heal we do know recovery can be slowed by improper post discharge care. Comfort Keepers, a Northern MI home care company provides support at home where you need it most.
Here is what you need for home care to speed your recovery after you are discharged:
Ask the experts. Find out what your doctor or care providers think will be the biggest help to you after your surgery or procedure. Knowing what to expect during your recovery process will help you determine what you need when you are back at home and manage your own expectations. It also allows you to communicate your needs to your home care caregivers so they can help you as much as possible.
Have an advocate with you during hospitalization. Find a friend, family member or professional caregiver who can stay with you while you are in hospital. Medical professionals are busy and sometimes patients suffer when routine care is forgotten or standards of care drop. Consider hiring a caregiver from a Northern MI home care service who can watch that your needs are met while you recover from anesthetic. An advocate can communicate your requests to staff, ensure your call button is answered and respond to your needs.
Schedule adequate home care support for after discharge. It is important that you have help getting home safely and during recovery. This is particularly important if you are anticipating heavy pain medications, difficulty moving or using the bathroom alone or will need assistance with personal care or household tasks. A homecare worker can fill prescriptions for you, do grocery shopping and prepare meals. Don’t underestimate the value of having someone to take care of you, providing you with essential fluids and nourishing food. For example, having someone to get you to the bathroom safely can help ensure a speedy recovery; while falling can seriously set back recovery. Sometimes it can be easier to have a non-relative assist you than family or friends.
Moving prevents blood clotting. Typically after surgery patients are encouraged by medical staff to get moving – ambulating – right away. Your care providers will let you know what is expected for your best recovery, but moving safely is very important. It can be difficult to attempt moving on your own without the right support emotionally and physically. For example, open-heart surgery leaves patients unable to perform certain tasks because the breastbone has been cut. With the right support from a qualified, encouraging Northern MI caregiver patients can feel supported to safely resume daily tasks.
Are you going to need help after a hospital stay or medical procedure? Contact the caring professionals at Comfort Keepers of Northern Michigan located in Traverse City and Petoskey for an intake assessment of your unique needs. Our caregivers provide a full range of home care services in the Northern Michigan area and are happy to answer any questions you may have. You can count on our Northern MI home care providers to give you the support you need to recover from your surgery at home.
