Where Should Your Loved Ones Recover?

Having a loved one in hospital is always a cause for stress in the family and there is great relief at the time of discharge. But that often does not mean that the stress is over. There is still a lot that needs to be done do ensure that the recovery goes smoothly. The patient may need a period of care and rehabilitation and this will usually require a great deal of support. Planning for the discharge and what comes after should begin well in advance to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Before Discharge

Before the patient is discharged you should obtain the following information from the hospital:

• The expected date of discharge
• The type of care that the patient will require and whether specialized services will be necessary and if so, a list of approved care providers and services.
• The recommendations of the doctors and nurses on what actions you should take.
• Contact information from where additional information may be obtained and questions answered.

Care and Rehabilitation Options

There are 3 main care options available after discharge from a hospital:

• If the recovery involves continued inpatient care, a nursing facility is the normal option. The trained nurses and caregivers here will be able to provide the patient the support and care that is needed for continued recovery.
• If extensive physiotherapy or rehabilitation is required, a rehabilitation hospital is the best option. As there could be multiple sessions or treatments during the day, often for an extended duration, staying where the treatment will be given, places the least strain on the patient.
• Home is often the preferred option. If the patient needs only part time rehabilitation of specialized care, a certified home health care agency will be able to provide the services needed. Being at home in familiar surroundings with the family around can lift the morale and spirits of the patient and this can help to expedite the recovery.

The Transportation Issue

Wherever the patient may go after leaving the hospital, visits back there for checkups, consultation with other medical specialists and other follow up actions will be required. In addition, being able, health permitting, to go out once in a while to visit friends or places that are dear to the patient can provide a change of surroundings and atmosphere which will make the patient happier. Traveling can be uncomfortable and stressful for the patient. There is also a risk of injury that could affect recovery. The right way to transport patients is to use a Non-Emergency Medical Transport service. Using specialized vehicles designed for transporting the sick and injured, and driven by professionals who are trained in the specialized transport needs of patients, your loved one can travel in comfort and safety as often as is required to go where he or she needs to for completing the recovery process. With doorstep service and very reasonable rates, there is no need to stress the family or the patient by transporting them yourself.