Staying in the hospital can be stressful, particularly for seniors. After discharge, follow-up care is necessary for better health and healing. However, navigating the healthcare system can be challenging. The good news is that with support from loved ones and incorporating some of the tips below, seniors gain the confidence they need to advocate for better post-hospital care.
Understanding the Discharge Plan
Many seniors might not feel comfortable asking questions when given the post-hospital care plan, but not asking questions can lead to significant issues. With this in mind, it’s essential for them to not only ask but also plan a few questions ahead of time with the help of family. Having a plan prior means they don’t have to think of questions in the moment, which can increase an already stressful situation. While some of the questions they want to ask may be answered on the discharge plan, some might not be, which is why it’s important to think about them beforehand. Either way, the discharge plan should give clear instructions regarding things like medications, what follow-up appointments will be needed, what modifications need to be made to the home, necessary diet changes, and more.
Additionally, it’s important for seniors and family members to know what symptoms to look for that might indicate a need for further treatment. With this information in hand, seniors can feel more in control of their discharge. Also, having a family member take notes ensures the small details, or answers to questions that aren’t on the written documents, don’t get missed.
Understanding Your Rights
Seniors have certain rights when it comes to their health care. For instance, they have the right to participate in medical choices, pick their own care provider, challenge a release if they feel like they’re not ready to leave the hospital, and ask questions about their post-hospital care plan, especially if they disagree. Family members’ support ensures their rights are met, and resources—such as the Medicare website—exist if they need to appeal a hospital release.
Requesting a Patient Advocate
Most hospitals have patient advocates or social workers who can help seniors and their family members with care choices after leaving the hospital, financial help, and insurance issues. These advocates offer much-needed support and can be a vital piece of the seniors’ recovery, so utilizing them during the post-hospital care process is a smart decision.
Exploring Home Care Solutions
Another important part of the post-hospital care plan is to set up home care services and rehabilitation therapy. Prior to the “set up” part, however, seniors need to know what supports exist. Family members can encourage them to ask about these services, as well as do some research themselves, to see what they need to ensure a full recovery. This is particularly important when seniors will be returning to their homes and they live alone. Setting up these services beforehand also gives family members peace of mind. Along with this, seniors will need to inquire about what medical devices might be needed to help them recover.
Keep Documents Organized
Seniors can better advocate for themselves when they have all their documents in one place. They should have the discharge plan, their doctor’s information, their medical background, medications they’re taking, and insurance information all in one place for easy access when needed.
For the best recovery possible, it’s important to have a clear post-hospital care plan and know what tools are available. When seniors have these things and are able to communicate openly, they can better advocate for themselves.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Post-Hospital Care in Bellevue, NE, please contact the caring staff at Caretech today at (402) 697-5121
Caretech provides the best care services for seniors and families throughout Nebraska including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney, Fremont, Norfolk, Hastings, Columbus, Papillon, North Platte, La Vista, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City, Beatrice, Lexington, Chalco, Gretna, Gering, York, and surrounding areas.
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