Guiding your patient through the transition from hospital to home is critically important and can be quite daunting to think about. But don’t worry, we at Hazelwood want to give you some tips to help you to guide them through this transition. So here is some guidance on how to care for your patient after hospital discharge.
Catering the home to the patients’ needs
By making some necessary adjustments to your patient’s home, you are making sure that the area is safe. To help avoid issues, we think that by installing bed railings and having a bathroom chair will make it easier for you to be able to guide your patient to and from each room in their home.
Kindness and patience
If your patient has gone in for surgery the first few days can be very tough for them. Your patient will be tired, suffering from pain, and frustrated that they’re not able to do their daily activities. Being calm, patient, and kind, they will see that you are there to help them when they are in a vulnerable position.
As their carer, you can help with simple things such as:
- Grooming
- Helping them in and out of rooms
- Preparing meals
- Going to the shop for them
This allows them to have trust in you and form a connection. Which flows onto the next key point which is companionship.
Companionship
Having a carer who will be there with physical and mental support will make a great deal to your patient. Companionship is an important factor to consider as mental health is linked with physical well-being and it also makes them feel cared for and loved.
Managing your patients’ medication
Although your patient has been discharged from the hospital, they will still require some medication for a quicker recovery. Whether it’s vitamins, antibiotics, or post-surgery medication, it is so important that you strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and give their medicine as the prescription states. By keeping a close eye on the dosages, your patient won’t miss the time or enter the danger of overdosing.
Assist them at their post-operation check-ups
Assisting your patient to the hospital makes them aware that you’re looking out for them, and you are helping them listen to the doctor’s instructions and take notes. You can also ask questions to the doctor in case anything has been missed out or you have questions on how you can help care for your patient after hospital discharge as time goes on post-surgery. The more knowledge you gain, the more you can help!
With your patient knowing they have a dedicated carer offering consistent care and guidance, you can be sure that your patient will recover and get back to their independent lifestyle in no time! It is so rewarding knowing that you have nursed someone back to health, that’s why at Hazelwood Homecare, we love what we do!
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