Suddenly losing or having impaired mobility after a hospital visit can be difficult for anyone. This is especially true for aging adults who want to be as independent as possible. As a caregiver, you play a vital role in ensuring the transition from the hospital back to the home is as smooth as possible. Take notice of how the medical staff is tending to your loved one during their stay and ask questions about good practices to translate to the home. Even some of the smallest things can make a big difference in how mobile your loved one can be.
Identify and Remove Trip Hazards
One of the first things to do is to identify any potential trip hazards and remove them. These could be things like rugs, wires, end tables or anything else that could potentially limit free movement. Your loved one may enjoy the big shag rug in their living room, but it could create a trip hazard so it’s better to remove it temporarily. You may not be able to pick out every trip hazard at first, but continue paying attention to how your loved one moves around and make adjustments as needed.
Invest in Accessibility Equipment
Accessibility equipment can make your life and the life of your loved one much easier as they transition back to the home. If getting into bed or the bathtub is a challenge, then a patient lift can help tremendously. Placing grab bars throughout the home, particularly in the bathroom and other slip-and-fall risk areas, can give them some peace of mind as they will be more stable navigating those areas. And if they are forced to relax for a long time after returning home from the hospital, then a lift chair is a great investment. The lift chair is adjustable to recline or decline to provide ultimate comfort and makes it easier to get out of when they need to.
Understand Both Physical and Emotional Needs
While items like grab bars help with a patient’s physical needs, caregivers often overlook the emotional needs as well. When a person is unable to do routine tasks they are used to doing, it can take a toll on them emotionally. The desire to be independent is sometimes even stronger after a hospital visit, but that’s the time they should be relaxing and letting someone else handle household duties. Always be aware of your loved one’s emotional state and ask for help if you notice anything unusual.
Next Day Access can perform a free home evaluation in advance of your loved one’s hospital visit. When mobility will be limited following a hospital stay, a lift chair or patient lift can go a long way in making it easier to perform routine tasks. We are ready and willing to answer all of your questions and show you how our accessibility solutions work, so contact us at any time.
