Your mom has been in the hospital facing a serious health issue. Maybe it was pneumonia or maybe she fell and broke a hip. It really doesn’t matter why she was in the hospital, but it does matter what happens when she comes home.
As a family caregiver, you’re already doing a lot for your mom. Plus, you’re doing all you can to keep up with your job, your personal life, and time with your children and partner. The last thing you can imagine doing is having to also keep up with your mom’s recovery plan.
The Benefits of Post-Hospital Care
Your mom’s medical team has a list of instructions when she goes home. She has medications she has to take every four hours. She needs to check her blood pressure and oxygen saturation rates an hour after she takes her medications and possibly before, too.
She has to work with a physical therapist, which means leaving the home twice a week and completing the exercises as “homework” each day. She may need a completely new diet and to learn how to manage her blood sugar levels.
Some of this you can help her with. But, a lot of it seems like too much. That’s when skilled nursing and post-hospital care are important. Your mom may have care needs that are beyond your skill set. She needs a professional to ensure she does what her doctor says.
What Can Nurses Complete?
Post-hospital care nurses can check your mom’s wounds from a fall or incisions after a surgery. They’ll clean and dress them in new bandages and alert the doctor if there are signs of infection. If infection is present, nurses can administer antibiotics immediately through an IV and keep your mom from having to go back to her doctor.
Nurses can track your mom’s pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, and other important readings. They’re shared with your mom’s doctor, who then consults with the nurse on the next steps to do if she’s not rebounding as hoped.
Does your mom need IV fluids or medications? Injectable medications or blood draws for tests? Nurses can do this as part of her post-hospital care plan. Your mom is able to focus on getting better and not having to come and go from a bunch of appointments.
Sometimes, a new diet is essential. Your mom’s heart health may rely on a low-fat, high fiber diet. She may have diabetes and need to cut sugar and carbs. Instead of having to travel to a clinic to learn how to choose and cook suitable foods, your mom is able to work with a professional in her home.
Post-hospital care is essential when it comes to preventing rehospitalization. Before your mom comes home, arrange post-hospital care services like wound care, IV medications and fluids, injections, education, and physical therapy.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Post-Hospital Care in Fort Lee, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Applause Home Care today. Call (201) 326-8051
Applause Home Care provides independent, non-franchised quality Home Care for elders and families in and around Fort Lee, Hackensack, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Paramus, Glen Rock, Pompton Plains, Franklin Lakes, Westwood, Montvale, and Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
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