How to Prepare For A Parent’s Return Home From A Hospital or Medical Facility
Your parent is finally coming home
After days or even weeks in the hospital or rehabilitation facility, getting them back home can feel like a relief
But then reality sets in
Who will help them get dressed in the morning?
Who will prepare their meals?
Who will be there while you're at work?
Who will help them move safely around in the house?
And what happens when your children need you at the same time
For families in the sandwich generation, a loved one's return home can create a difficult balancing act between work, children and caregiving responsibilities. Studies show that seniors are more likely to be rehospitalized during this time, especially if they're navigating recovery without attentive, consistent support.
The good news is that you don't have to figure everything out alone
Coming home doesn't always mean everything is back to normal
A parent may be discharged from a hospital or rehabilitation facility before they are completely back to their previous routing.
They may temporarily or permanently need additional assistance with everyday activities
Your loved one may have difficulty
Getting dressed or bathing
Preparing meals
Moving around the home
Completing household tasks
Getting to appointments
Managing their daily routine
Being alone for extended periods
This can create a major challenge for adult children who are already working and managing their own families
How Homecare Can Help Your Family
Think about your typical weekday. You need to get your children ready for school and need to go to work. So your parents need assistance at home. Your children need to be picked up, there are meals to prepare and appointments to attend. Trying to personally manage every part of your parents' care may not be realistic. Having a caregiver available can help fill the house when you simply cannot be there. That can give you the ability to focus on your career and your children while still remaining actively involved in your parents life.
Having a caregiver can help with
Reduced hospitalization
Personalized, Compassionate Support
Mobility and fall prevention after discharge
Medication reminders
Meal preparation and dietary guidance
Emotional support and companionship
Having an additional set of eyes in the home
Don't wait until you are completely overwhelmed
You don't have to wait for a crisis before looking into homecare. If your parents are returning home and your family already knows that providing enough support will be difficult, start the conversation early.
Talk with your loved ones healthcare team about their discharge needs and ask what support may be appropriate at home. Planning ahead can make the transition home much smoother for everyone
You don't have to handle it alone
Bringing your parents home should be a time for your family to focus on their recovery, comfort and well being. It shouldn't mean that one family member suddenly has to become a full time caregiver on top of working and raising children.
At WellCare Nurses and Staffing , we understand the challenged families face when a loved one returns home and needs additional support.
Our home and community based services help seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities and families throughout Northern New Jersey receive care and assistance in their homes.
If your parents are coming home from the hospital, rehab or another care setting and you're unsure how your family will manage, let's talk about how homecare may be able to help.
Call Us Today at (973)566-6099
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