When a loved one undergoes surgical procedure, the road to recovery can seem daunting. At Take Care Home Care, we understand the challenges you face and are here to guide you through the process. From hospital discharge to at-home care, here are some things you need to know to ensure a smooth transition and optimal recovery.
Understanding Hospital Discharge
Some situations call for the services of the Integrated Case Manager (ICM) (sometimes known as a "discharge planner". They play a crucial role in determining the best level of care after hospitalization. Depending on your loved one's condition, some common post-acute care settings they might recommend are:
Inpatient/Acute Care Rehab: Rehabilitation while still admitted to the hospital.
Skilled Nursing Facility: Facilities like Lake Taylor in Norfolk and Westminster Canterbury have received positive feedback. The ICM should provide a "Freedom of Choice List" with various options.
Skilled Home Health: This option is fully covered by Medicare and Tricare for those who qualify.
The Importance of Discharge Instructions
Upon leaving the hospital, you'll receive detailed discharge instructions. These are vital for preventing hospital readmission and should include:
Upcoming doctor appointments
Medication schedules
Incision care instructions
If you opt for skilled home health care, your chosen provider can assist in interpreting these instructions.
Home Health Services: What to Expect
Home health services are typically intermittent and short-term. Expect visits 2-3 times per week, lasting 30 minutes to an hour each. These visits may include:
Medication review
Incision check and care
Patient education
Physical, Occupational, Speech therapy
Medical Social Work
Home Health Aide
Bridging the Gap with Personal Care
At Take Care Home Care, we offer services to complement services for which some are not covered by Medicare:
Medication reminders
Companionship and cognitive stimulation
Meal preparation aligned with new dietary needs
Household tasks (laundry, cleaning, dishes)
Errand running and doctor appointment assistance
Fall risk reduction and home safety setup
Dressing, Bathing, and more
Understanding Your Financial Options
While skilled home health is covered by Medicare for qualifying patients, personal care services often require alternative funding. Options include:
Long Term Care Insurance
Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Program
Medicaid (for eligible individuals)
Private Pay
The Often-Overlooked Aspect: Emotional Well-being
From personal experience when a loved one went through cardiac surgery, I can't stress enough the importance of emotional health post-surgery. It's common to feel sad or blue after open heart surgery. While physical rehabilitation is crucial, maintaining good mental health is equally important. Don't hesitate to discuss emotional well-being with your health professionals. At Take Care Home Care, we're committed to supporting you through every step of this journey. Whether you need more information on care options or just a listening ear, we're here to help. Remember, you're not alone in this process – let us be your partner in care and find how We Bring Joy to Every Life We Touch!
-Take Care ;)
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