How to Navigate the Transition from Hospital to Home Care

Whether you’ve been in the hospital or you’re caring for a loved one who has been hospitalized, the transition to home can be overwhelming. 

You’re tired, worried, and not sure what you need to do. Even the thick stack of instructions, which is supposed to help, can cause anxiety.

Pinnacle Healthcare System provides cardiology and internal medicine services, and our providers understand the complicated feelings that come with the transition from hospital to home. 

In this post, we discuss some of the ways you can successfully navigate the change from 24/7 care at the hospital to the more relaxed atmosphere at home. 

As you plan the transition to home, make sure that everyone involved in your care has the opportunity to talk to the staff at the hospital and knows who to contact if they have questions.

Have a plan

One of the first and most important things you can do as you get ready to go home is to have a plan. Think through what you’ll need at home. 

For example, are there stairs to navigate, and will that be a problem? Will you need to use an assistive device like a walker or wheelchair, and is your house accessible? 

Review your medications so you understand what to take and when. Someone in the hospital will go over your medications, and your discharge packet will have instructions about when and how to take medicines. Look over it all carefully to make sure you understand before you go home. 

Think about your day-to-day routine and decide if you need help with anything. You may need to arrange delivery of your groceries, or you might want to have some freezer meals on hand. 

Talk to your care team before discharge

It’s likely that resources are available that you’re unaware of, but the staff at the hospital may be able to help you access them. Consider the following;

• Getting to and from appointments
• Accessing and receiving therapies such as physical therapy or occupational therapy
• Getting mental health support
• Finding spiritual support 

If you’ll be doing things like changing wound dressings or caring for an incision, get a demonstration while you’re still in the hospital, or ask if you can do it while one of the medical staff observes. 

Remember your routine care

It’s also very important to follow up with your care team here at Pinnacle Healthcare System after a hospitalization. Keeping your providers aware of your situation helps us understand what you need. 

When you’ve been in the hospital, it’s easy to forget about other routine care, like dentist appointments or other preexisting care you had scheduled. Plan to follow up with those providers, as well. 

Ask for help if you need it

You don’t have to tough it out alone. If you need help, ask for it. Most hospitals have an advocate on staff to help, medical social workers are often available, and our staff is here to help. 

Call or click to schedule an appointment today to discuss your healthcare needs following a hospital discharge. We have offices in Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, Florida.