One Way Ticket Home

Upon release from the hospital, many question what they should do next. The responsibility to take care of a sick, injured, or recovering loved one can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a few things that can make the transition from hospital to home easier.
Before being released, talk to the doctor, nurses, and other health care professionals who worked with you during the stay. Get explicit follow-up instructions including:

• Medication directions and schedules
• Information on appointments with your local physician
• Specialist contact information
• Instructions about in-home treatments
• Rehabilitation schedules
• Any other information specific to your personal hospital stay

If the burden of caring for a loved one at home becomes too large, know that help is available. When minimal amounts of assistance are needed, there are several options. Services are offered to take an individual to and from doctor appointments or some volunteer organizations can have people come to visit once per week. These few hours allow the care-giver time to get out of the house to run errancs or take care of other matters. If more assistance is required, in-home nursing can be an alternative. Hours of assistance can vary from round-the-clock care to just a few hours per day. Know that long-term professional care is also available if the burden becomes too large. By researching nursing home facilities and choosing an establishment that meets your family's needs, you can make the best choice for everyone involved.

Kara Jungblut