Senior woman in wheelchair and arm sling at the hospital

What to Know When Returning Home After Surgery

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What an incredible feeling it is when the doctor lets you know that your loved one is ready to be released from the hospital after surgery. But as they hand you that stack of discharge paperwork and instructions, a certain level of stress and anxiety may begin to creep in. Will your family member be able to care for herself when returning home after surgery?

The home health care team at Harmony Home Health & Hospice is here to ensure you can arrange for smooth discharge preparation from hospital to home by outlining the questions you’ll need to have answered in advance of a hospitalization or surgery:

  • What symptoms should I keep an eye out for that could suggest a problem during recovery?
  • Who is going to pick up prescriptions? Do I need to depend on a family member for this job? Will they be readily accessible when a refill is needed?
  • Who can answer questions about the prescriptions? Should I get in touch with the doctor, the pharmacist, or does the hospital have someone else for me to contact with questions about care?
  • What sort of medical equipment might be necessary (such as a walker, crutches, or telehealth tools), and who will supply them?
  • What activities are not appropriate after surgery?
  • Will the prescription drugs cause sleepiness or confusion?
  • What phone numbers should I keep on hand?
  • What types of tasks might be challenging to perform after coming home, considering the nature of the surgery (such as taking a bath or shower, getting dressed, going up or down the stairs, picking up prescription medications, cooking, shopping, driving, etc.)?

Educating yourself and your family member on what is required for smooth discharge planning from the hospital to home can ensure an easier and more comfortable transition. However, the most effective way to prevent post-hospitalization concerns is by engaging the services of a professional home health care company like Harmony Home Health & Hospice.

Our home health experts can help individuals get settled back in comfortably after a hospital procedure and make sure the person stays safe and well.

Call us any time at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE or contact us online to learn more about our home health care services in Salt Lake City, Tooele, Ogden, and the surrounding areas.