Returning home after a hospital stay can feel overwhelming. Between new medications, physical limitations, and the adjustment of being back in a familiar space without round-the-clock hospital staff, it’s normal to feel uncertain about what comes next. A little extra support from a home care program can ease that transition and help you safely get back on your feet.
What Home Care Can Include After a Hospital Stay
With a doctor’s order, and depending on your health coverage, you may be eligible to receive a range of services once you’re back home, such as:
- Skilled nursing care for wound care, dressing changes, IV treatments, medication administration, and blood pressure or blood sugar monitoring
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
- Durable medical equipment, such as oxygen
- Transportation to doctors’ appointments
- Home health aide support for eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, transferring, and continence care
- Social work visits
- Help with driving, meal preparation, housework, and shopping
Every recovery looks different, so the right combination of services depends on your specific diagnosis, mobility, and home situation. A registered nurse can assess your needs and help build a plan around them.
Line Up a Back-Up Caregiver Before You Leave
Before returning home, especially if you live alone, identify a back-up caregiver who can be available if needed. This could be a family member, friend, or neighbor. Make sure they have a key to your home, and that you know how to reach them quickly if something comes up. Having this person identified ahead of time, rather than scrambling to find help after a fall or setback, makes a real difference in how smoothly your first few weeks at home go.
Preparing Your Home for a Safe Recovery
In addition to arranging home care services, it’s important to prepare your living space before you arrive. A few simple changes can meaningfully lower the risk of a fall or setback during recovery.
General Home Safety
- Consider a medical alert system or a buddy check-in system
- Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor
- If you smoke, use extreme caution, and never smoke when alone or in bed
- Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down, and take a moment to find your balance
- Wear properly fitting shoes with low heels
- Use a correctly fitted and measured walking aid
- Remove or secure any loose or scattered rugs
- Move electrical and telephone cords out of walking paths
- Avoid slippery wax finishes on floors, and wipe up spills promptly
- Avoid standing on ladders or chairs
- Install sturdy handrails on all indoor and outdoor stairs, or consider a stairlift if needed
- Use non-glare bulbs of 100 watts or greater (or the fluorescent equivalent)
- Make sure staircases are well lit, with light switches at both the top and bottom
- Add a non-slip surface to stair treads
Bathroom Safety
- Leave a light on in the bathroom at night
- Install recommended bath aids securely on shower walls and beside the toilet
- Use a non-slip bath mat and skid-proof the tub
- Turn your water heater down to 120°F or below to prevent scalding
- Clearly mark hot and cold faucets
- Use door locks that can be opened from both sides in an emergency
- If possible, only bathe when help is available
Kitchen Safety
- Keep floors clean and free of clutter
- Make sure work areas are well lit
- Clearly mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances
- Store sharp knives in a rack
- Use a kettle with an automatic shut-off
- Store hazardous items separately from food
- Avoid loose, long clothing when cooking near the stove
- Rotate food regularly and check expiration dates
Medication Safety
- Review your medications frequently with your doctor or pharmacist, especially when starting something new
- Make sure all medicines are clearly labeled
- Read labels in good light to confirm you have the right medicine and dose
- Dispose of old or expired medications properly
- Never borrow prescription drugs from someone else
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining alcohol with any medication
- Ask about a bubble pack or pill organizer to help keep doses straight
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing over-the-counter and prescription drugs
Take the Next Step with Trusted Home Care
A safe recovery at home requires both proper preparation and ongoing support. While making these home modifications is an essential first step, navigating recovery alone can still be challenging and stressful. A professional home care agency can provide the comprehensive support you need during this critical transition, from skilled nursing and therapy services to personal care assistance and companionship.
Contact Gurwin Home Care today to discuss your specific needs and create a personalized care plan. Our experienced staff can assess your unique situation and help ensure you have the right level of care to recover safely and comfortably in the place you know best: your own home.
