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Home. It’s where the heart is. It’s where most people are most comfortable and feel happy and safe. It’s the ultimate goal for so many patients after an injury or surgery. Even a short hospital stay can feel like a lifetime - who wants to wear a backless hospital gown when you have cozy sweats and warm slippers waiting for you at home?? Rest and sleep are so important to recovery and the best rest is definitely on your comfy couch or in your own bed.
Medical professionals want to get their patients back home and resting easy almost as much as their patients want out of the hospital and back to some normalcy. Across North America, health care is evolving and in many hospital systems and countries, there is a shift towards getting patients out of the hospital and back into their own environments, setting them up to continue care at home. This transition is beneficial to the patient in many ways, including greater comfort and familiarity, more independence, and easier involvement from family and caregivers. It also benefits the hospital system, freeing up a space for another patient needing treatment. A little planning and the right tools and equipment can get patients out of the hospital, back in their recliner and on the road to recovery in comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Many hospital systems across North America are shifting paradigms towards transitioning patients to home to continue treatment
- Recovering at home can be more comfortable for the patient and cost effective for the hospital, and can be effectively managed with the right planning and equipment
- Working with the care team to build a shopping list of products and utilizing Performance Health for any and all equipment needs can set patients up for a successful transition and in home care
Planning for Succes
First things first, let’s make a plan. As Benjamin Franklin once said, failing to plan is a plan to fail. Setting up patients for success is crucial to their transition to home treatment. Assessing the home environment, planning for medication management and staying in touch with the care team are all important aspects of continuing care at home. Let’s tackle the environment first. Do we have steps to get into the house? Where is the bathroom and bedroom? Is there an easily accessible shower? Something as simple as a low toilet can seem like an insurmountable challenge for someone with decreased mobility.
Outfitting the house with a few pieces of equipment can be instrumental in helping the patient and caregivers with a smooth transition. Strategically placed grab bars can assist with transitional movements and provide an added layer of safety for patients moving around their house. Using a bariatric all-in-one drop arm commode can assist with a smoother trip the bathroom or be used at bedside if getting to the bathroom is not an option just yet. Enjoying a good shower is paramount to starting to feel more like yourself, but standing for the duration of the shower can be challenging for many people following an injury and hospital stay. Using a swivel sliding transfer bench can assist in getting into the tub, washing the germs away and feeling fresh and clean. Even small pieces of equipment such as a Sammons Preston reacher can make a significant difference in helping patients access their space safely.
Once we have outfitted the environment to maximize the patient’s independence, safety and accessibility, we can start progressing the plan to phase two!
The Fine Print of At Home Care
Now let’s talk logistics - medications, wounds, and schedule. Let’s face it, most of health care isn’t the prettiest! However, these are real concerns that are often addressed easily and consistently in the hospital and can be appropriately managed at home if we - say it with me - plan!
Working with the care team before discharge to set up a medication schedule is crucial. Using a medi-planner can help patients and caregivers get and stay organized. Still worried the patient might not take their meds on time? Upgrading to a MedCenter organizer will take this one step further letting you set alarms for those extra reminders. Many hospital systems will be able to schedule a care team member to come to the house for tasks like wound care.
Having some supplies on hand is extremely helpful and ensures a smooth experience. Stocking up on a few essentials such as Versalon all-purpose sponges, Leukoplast bandages and dressings and CoFlex latex-free foam bandages can be a huge asset for the wound care team and are always great to have on hand for any day-to-day cuts or scrapes that can be managed without having to take a trip to the emergency room. Having some Nitrile gloves in the house is always a good idea. Additionally, we will most likely want to monitor vital signs during the recovery process which can give the care team a good idea of how patients are responding to treatment. This can be done easily at home using an automatic blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter.
Recap
Despite different medical systems across different countries, one universal goal is shared across borders and disciplines - getting patients back home as quickly and safely as possible. Now, let’s review the plan! Preparing our environment with the right tools and equipment is essential. Working with all members of the care team to ensure all bases are covered including getting recommendations for equipment and supplies prior to discharge and creating and staying on schedule with medications and check ins will allow for a continued collaborative approach to healing and recovery. So, click those heels together three times because it turns out you CAN go home again!
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
