Transitioning a loved one to a skilled nursing center after a hospitalization can bring a sense of concern and uncertainty. Whether they have been hospitalized for an injury, surgery, or illness, they may require a higher level of care at a post-acute care center in order to ensure a successful recovery.
At Prestige Care, we understand it can be a challenging time for both families and their loved ones, which is why our goal is to help make the transition from hospital to home as easy and positive as possible.
Some families may be concerned about the quality of care, when their loved one can return home, and what they can expect from the care services offered at a post-acute care center. You may also be thinking about how you can help support them as they are transitioning to this level of care. Here are some tips to help ease your loved one’s transition to a short-term rehabilitation center.
Plan in Advance
As soon as your loved one’s hospital team suggests they receive care at a skilled nursing facility prior to returning home, it is important to create a plan of action. Consider researching post-acute care centers in your local community, discuss their medical needs with their healthcare team, begin any necessary paperwork and insurance requirements, gather their personal belongings and essential items, and prepare their home for their return.
If you have found options for their post-acute care, you may consider touring the center to ensure it meets your own personal requirements including quality of care, core values, general atmosphere, and location. Planning ahead can make a difference in your loved one’s physical and mental recovery and provide them with the support and high-quality care they need to return to their independent and healthy lifestyle.
Ask Questions
One of the biggest challenges families face when their loved one requires additional care after a hospitalization is not knowing what to expect during their stay at a post-acute care center. It is crucial to have open conversations with your loved one’s medical team to ensure they are receiving the care they need for an optimal recovery. This includes asking the right questions and communicating your expectations. Here are some questions you should considering asking the hospital team, social workers, and the care center:
- How is my loved one’s health?
- What level of care do they require?
- What is the transition process from hospital to rehab and from rehab to home?
- How is the communication between the hospital and the rehabilitation center?
- How long will they need care at a rehabilitation center?
- What services and amenities are offered at the rehabilitation center?
- What is the discharge process post-recovery?
- Will they continue needing care after their short-term stay?
Stay Involved
Although your loved one is being cared for by a highly skilled clinical team, it is important to continue staying connected with your loved one, communicating with their healthcare team, and participating in their care plan.
Staying involved during your loved one’s short-term stay is essential for their mental well-being and can help optimize their recovery. Interacting with their family and friends can have a positive impact on their rehabilitation progress. You may consider taking the time to visit, or video chat them if you are unable to be there physically. This can make them feel cared for and supported throughout their recovery journey.
Here at Prestige, families are encouraged to participate in their loved one’s care as much as possible. We promote a high level of communication with you and your loved one to ensure they will have a successful transition from post-acute care to home. This includes communicating any changes in medical needs, progress reports, and what to expect upon their return home. Our team of medical professionals will coordinate meetings with you and your loved one to discuss recovery goals, build a personalized care program, and plan for discharge.
Brighten Up Their Space
One of the most thoughtful and simple ways to ease your loved one’s transition to post-acute care is to decorate and personalize their space. Creating a familiar space can make your loved one feel at home and provide a sense of comfort as they are adapting to their new environment. Consider bringing them photos of their family and friends, decorating with seasonal flowers, displaying handwritten cards, or bringing them an item from home that is special to them. Warming up their space with personalized items can bring them happiness and encourage them to make the most out of their short-term care stay.
At Prestige, we understand that transitioning from a hospital to a post-acute care center can be challenging for both the patient and their family. Whether your loved one needs additional care after an unplanned hospitalization or recovery assistance after a surgery, we are here to make the transition to home as easy as possible.
Visit www.prestigecare.com/skilled-nursing to learn more about the care services we offer at our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Centers.