Introducing Senior Care After Your Parent Has Been in the Hospital
Senior Care in Fairfax VA
While thinking about your aging parent having to go to the hospital may not be something that you want to do, if you are like many family caregivers, a hospitalization is likely to be something you encounter during the course of your care journey with your senior. Knowing how to handle this situation and taking the proper steps will help your parent to not only get through their 
hospitalization in the best way possible, but will also make the transition back into care at home smoother and less stressful.
One way that you can help your aging parent make the most out of their recovery after spending time in the hospital is introducing senior care. Whether they had to be in the hospital due to an injury, an illness, or a procedure, a senior home care services provider can help your loved one manage the needs of their recovery period, avoid overtaxing their body, and monitor their health and well-being so that if something happens that might indicate they need further attention, this care provider can alert you.
Use these tips to help you effectively introduce senior care after your parent has been in the hospital:
- Start early. If possible, hire the senior home care services provider prior to your parent’s discharge. This will ensure that this provider is there for your parent from the moment that they return home and can simplify this transition for you. If your parent will need additional support and assistance upon discharge, such as help getting into the car or into the home, this care provider can assist with that as well.
- Make introductions first. Try to schedule a time for the care provider to meet your parent prior to their first full day of care alone with them. This will give your loved one the opportunity to get accustomed to the care provider and feel more comfortable with them before they are alone with them for a long stretch. This can even mean simply having the care provider come to the hospital and meet your parent the day before discharge and then be there to assist with discharge.
- Leave full instructions. It is important that you give this care provider as much information as possible so that they are able to give your loved one the care that they need. This means explaining to the care provider why your parent was in the hospital, what types of care needs and challenges they might face, and what types of services they will need. If your parent needs to take medication or treatments, or has guidelines that they need to follow, be sure to share this information with the care provider as well so that they are able to offer regular reminders that help your parent stay compliant and make the most of their recovery.
- Check in. This new arrangement can seem like a big change to your aging parent. Be sure to check in with them and with the care provider throughout their recovery to ensure that they are doing well. This is a great time not just to make sure that they are recovering, but also to ensure that they are getting along with the care provider, particularly if you plan on continuing care after their recovery.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Fairfax, VA, call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. 703-273-8818
Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.
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