Helping Your Loved One Cope with Being Discharged from the Hospital

One of the biggest fears elderly patients have when being discharged from the hospital is questioning if they are truly healthy enough to leave the hospital. Will their illness effect them again when they are alone, or how will they deal with any lifestyle changes they need to make? It can be very overwhelming to some people, especially an elderly loved one.

Ease Fears: One of the most comforting things you can do is make sure your loved ones understand their discharge instructions. Make sure a doctor or nurse is available to speak with your loved one and explain to them the details of their health conditions, discharge plans, possible warning signs they need to watch for, and the fact they are indeed healthy enough to go home.

Offering Comfort: Many times people just need a little bit of comforting, knowing someone is there for them can help them cope with any apprehensions they may have. If your loved one is elderly it may help to offer to get them a device they can wear that will alert a call center that something may be wrong, perhaps they are in fear they may fall and not be able to get to a phone. This device would simply alert a call center that your loved one needs assistance. Not only does this relieve the mind of your elderly loved one it also helps relieve your own mind knowing they have this extra security device.

Visits and Phone Calls: Hearing another person's voice or seeing them often does wonders for people who are having a hard time coping. A visit or phone call let's someone take their mind off their conditions for the time being as long as you steer the conversation to positive things.

Assisting in Care: If your loved one needs care after they are discharged you can offer to do the care yourself if you're able to and the task does not require a trained medical professional. This will greatly help cut costs if costs are something that is a worry. If you are unable to do any of the care yourself ask your loved one what would make the situation more comfortable for them. Sometimes our elderly loved ones are ashamed to have work done for them, especially care when it comes to personal hygiene. Make them apart of these decisions.

Offering Encouragement: If your loved ones condition demands major lifestyle changes offering encouragement can go a long way to helping them cope.

When in doubt ask a medical care professional for tips in helping your loved one cope. Many times hospitals have pamphlets that will give you tips and suggestions on helping you help your loved one.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace the recommendations or suggestions of your medical care provider. When ever in doubt please contact your loved ones care provider and ask them for tips and suggestions.

Source:

Nurses Training