How to Assist a Loved One Returning from the Hospital

After a senior returns home from the hospital, it’s important to ensure they receive proper care to help them recover and prevent any further health issues. Here are some steps to take:

1. Arrange for Follow-Up Care: Ensure that the senior has follow-up appointments scheduled with their doctor to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
2. Medication Management: Make sure they have all the necessary medications and understand how to take them correctly. Keep a list of all their medications, dosages, and the reasons they are taking them.
3. Assist with Activities of Daily Living: Seniors may need help with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. Assist them with these tasks as needed or consider hiring in-home care services for additional support.
4. Encourage Exercise and Physical Activity: Exercise can help speed up the recovery process. Encourage the senior to move around and engage in physical activities as advised by their doctor.
5. Promote a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can help the senior regain their strength and energy. Ensure they have access to nutritious meals and snacks.
6. Ensure a Safe Living Environment: Make any necessary modifications to the senior’s home to ensure it’s safe and easy for them to move around.
7. Provide Emotional Support: The hospital stay can be stressful and overwhelming. Offer emotional support and be a good listener. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns.
8. Consider Home Health Care: If the senior needs ongoing medical care or assistance with activities of daily living, consider hiring a home health care agency such as Cypress at Home to provide professional support.

“Assisting a loved one returning from the hospital requires a holistic approach that encompasses physical, emotional, and practical support,” said Jonathan Grady, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing. “By following the helpful tips mentioned in this article and bringing in additional help when needed, we can help our loved ones recover and thrive. Remember, each step we take plays a vital role in their journey towards a healthier and happier life.”

About the author: Jonathan Grady, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing 

Jonathan Grady, RN, assumed the role of Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) at Cypress at Home in October 2022, following his tenure as the Home Health Clinical Educator. A graduate of Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts, Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is actively pursuing a nurse practitioner’s degree in adult gerontology, further enriching his professional expertise.

His extensive nursing background encompasses diverse roles, including service in the operating room, medical surgical unit, and specialized experience in home health care.

Could you or a loved one benefit from assistance after surgery or illness? We have seamless solutions to help. Call 239-CYPRESS (239-297-7377) today!