Give yourself time

Returning home after a long stay in a hospital can be a bit of a shock to the system and your body may find it hard to adjust for a while. Getting yourself re-acquainted with your surroundings and its unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells is a good place to start; expecting to go back to normal straight away is unrealistic for the majority of people, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Asking for help from those you live with is also advised if you find yourself struggling, even if a task seems simple or you used to find it straightforward.

Make your home accessible

If you, or the person you are caring for, has been discharged from hospital and has been left with limited mobility, you’ll want to make sure their environment is as accessible as possible. If there are steps leading to the front door of your home they may now present themselves as a challenge, or even an impossible route to take, so considering a ramp or a handrail could help. Lowering features throughout the house such as mirrors, door handles and peepholes can also help to make your home easier to navigate. If you live in a multi-storey home, setting up your bed on the ground floor can also be a good idea as this eliminates the need to climb stairs and risk falls or further injuries.

Have the essential contacts

After being discharged from a hospital, you’ll have been given the ward’s contact information. Keeping this in a location that is known to others is important as, if the individual’s condition worsens, they may be able to advise on the best action to take. It’s also a good idea to keep contact details for family members close to hand, especially if you live alone. In the worst case scenario, these people need to be contacted as soon as possible.

Consider live in care

For some, moving home after being discharged from hospital will result in them returning to a solitary lifestyle. This is where living in care can be extremely helpful in making the transition as seamless and stress-free as possible. Having the reassurance that there is a helping hand available when needed can be comforting for some, even if it is only for a short period of time.

A live-in carer can make day-to-day tasks such as preparing and cooking meals, personal hygiene care and general recovery a much smoother process.

If you or someone you care for is due to be leaving hospital, we offer a hospital discharge service which can offer short-term care. For longer periods of times, our trained team of live-in carers can offer round-the-clock support for individuals, allowing them to also enjoy the comfort of their own home.

For more information on the many benefits of live in care services, please contact Independent People Homecare today on 0808 163 9564.