Post-Hospital Care: Looking After Yourself At Home

Being in the hospital can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and it can take time to recover physically and emotionally after being discharged. This period of vulnerability, known as post-hospital syndrome, can last up to seven weeks and may increase the risk of rehospitalization or even death. To ensure a smooth recovery, it's important to follow instructions from healthcare providers, maintain a routine, and stay active while also getting adequate rest. Additionally, it's crucial to keep track of medications and follow-up appointments to manage any ongoing medical conditions.

Prepare a kit with personal and medical information

Preparing an emergency grab bag with personal and medical information can help to ensure that doctors and nurses have the right information to provide the best care. It can also help to reduce stress in a potentially difficult situation. Here are some important items to include when preparing a kit with personal and medical information:

• Personal identification: Bring two different pieces of ID, such as a driver's license, health insurance card, or relevant health services cards.
• Health information: Bring any recent test results, physician's letters, or completed history and physical forms related to ongoing health problems.
• Medications: Bring your current medications in their original packaging, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This will allow healthcare providers to review them and make any necessary adjustments.
• Personal care items: Pack basic toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, a hairbrush, dentures, a razor, and any other personal hygiene items you may need.
• Clothing: Include comfortable clothing, such as pajamas or a nightgown, a bathrobe, and proper footwear (flat, enclosed, rubber-soled, or lace-up shoes).
• Contact information: Make sure to include the name, address, and contact details of your primary care provider and any community care teams you are involved with.

Remember to regularly review and update the contents of your emergency kit to ensure it is current and reflects any changes in your medical condition or treatment plan. Additionally, keep in mind that hospitals may not take responsibility for personal belongings, so it is best to leave valuables at home or inquire about lockable storage options in advance.

Ask a family member or friend for support

When a family member or friend is in the hospital, it can be challenging to know how to help. Here are some ways you can provide support:

Offer Practical Help

Rather than making a vague offer of help, try to think of tangible ways you can assist with day-to-day tasks. For example, you could offer to walk their dog, water their plants, or check their mail, or arrange for house cleaning, lawn care, or grocery deliveries. If your friend has children, you could offer to babysit or drive them to their extracurricular activities. These practical gestures can make a significant difference to your loved one's life during a challenging time.

Provide Emotional Support

Sometimes, simply being there for your friend or family member is the best form of support. Let them know that you are available to talk and listen without judgment. It's important to respect their boundaries and limitations, especially if they are less responsive than usual. Give them space when they need it, and don't take it personally if they don't respond to your messages or calls. Remember that they are dealing with a lot, and their lack of communication is not a reflection of your relationship.

Visit Them in the Hospital

If appropriate, ask your friend or family member if they would like you to visit them in the hospital. Respect their wishes if they decline, but if they are open to visits, your company can be a great source of comfort. Bring some hospital-approved snacks, a good book, or a puzzle to help pass the time. Alternatively, you could suggest activities like playing cards or watching movies together. Just remember to check with hospital staff and your loved one to ensure any food or activities are allowed and won't disrupt their treatment or recovery.

Help Them Take a Break

Caring for a loved one in the hospital can be emotionally and physically draining. Encourage your friend or family member to take care of themselves and take breaks when needed. Let them know it's okay to step away from the bedside and suggest activities that can help them relax, such as going for a walk, getting a coffee, or treating themselves to a haircut. Reassure them that their loved one is in good hands with the hospital staff and that it's important for them to look after themselves, too.

Avoid Giving False Hope

While it's natural to want to reassure your friend or family member, avoid making statements that could give false hope or minimize their concerns. Instead of saying, "Everything will be fine" or "They're strong, they'll pull through," try something like, "I'm sorry this is happening. I'm sending lots of strength and love to you and your family." This acknowledges the difficulty of the situation and validates their feelings without making assumptions about the outcome.

Remember, every person is unique, and their needs may change over time. What they need during the initial shock of a diagnosis or injury may be different from what they need during the long-term recovery process. Stay in communication, offer specific forms of help, and be adaptable to provide the best support for your loved one.

Stay active and prevent infections

Staying active and preventing infections are crucial aspects of caring for yourself after a hospital stay. Here are some detailed tips to help you achieve both:

Staying Active:

• Start small and listen to your body: Begin with gentle activities such as short walks, even if it's just through the hospital corridors or around the ward. You can gradually increase the duration and intensity of your walks as you build up your strength.
• Move your limbs: If you are confined to bed rest, you can still perform small exercises. Try flexing and relaxing your muscles and moving your arms and legs to maintain blood flow and prevent pressure sores.
• Maintain bone and muscle strength: Inactivity can lead to weakened bones and muscles, making your body more prone to fractures and stiff joints. Focus on exercises that help maintain bone and muscle strength, such as sitting up and moving around if possible.
• Keep your body active: Any form of activity, whether it's a brisk walk or vigorous housework, can reduce your risk of hospitalisation and aid in your recovery.

Preventing Infections:

• Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. This is especially important after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Cover your wounds: Keep all wounds and cuts clean and protected with dry bandages. Change the bandages regularly to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Understand your catheter or drain care: Ask your healthcare team about the purpose and duration of any catheters or drains. Follow their instructions for care and check them often to ensure they remain clean and in place.
• Insist on handwashing: Ensure that all visitors, healthcare workers, and caregivers wash their hands before and after touching you or any medical devices. Don't be afraid to remind them, as this is crucial to preventing the spread of infections.
• Prevent respiratory infections: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues properly. Follow breathing instructions from your healthcare team to prevent pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

Plan ahead for bathroom breaks

Planning ahead for bathroom breaks is crucial during a hospital stay. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to make this process smoother:

Firstly, be mindful of the fact that going to the bathroom may involve a nurse or personal care assistant assisting you, especially if you are connected to medical equipment. Don't hesitate to call for assistance when needed. It is advisable to plan ahead and signal for help as soon as you think you need to use the bathroom. Avoid waiting until the urge becomes overwhelming, as staff members may be occupied with other patients, and you might have to wait for their assistance.

Secondly, be aware of shift change times when the hospital staff is busy transitioning duties. Plan your bathroom breaks before or after these shift changes to avoid longer wait times. Additionally, keep in mind that falls are a significant concern in hospitals, and patients of all ages are vulnerable to them, especially the elderly. If you need to get out of bed to use the restroom, take necessary precautions to prevent falls. Wear non-slip socks or well-fitting footwear, and consider lowering your bed height and using side rails for support.

Furthermore, if you experience dizziness, sleepiness, light-headedness, or confusion due to your medication, discuss it with your healthcare team. They may be able to adjust your medication to make you feel more like yourself and reduce the risk of falls. Remember, your healthcare team wants to ensure your safety and comfort, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance and communicate any concerns you may have.

By following these instructions and being mindful of your own needs and the hospital staff's availability, you can effectively plan ahead for bathroom breaks during your hospital stay.

Ask questions about your treatment

Asking questions about your treatment is an important part of your hospital stay. It is crucial to be well-informed about your health and hospital visit. Here are some key questions to ask during your time as a patient:

Medication

Ask about the medicines you will be taking, including their names, purposes, and potential side effects. Inquire about the differences between hospital-provided medications and any prescriptions you may have at home. Be sure to also discuss any allergies or adverse reactions you have experienced in the past. Bring all your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies, so your care team can review them. Knowing what your medicines look and taste like is also important, so you can identify any discrepancies.

Tests and Procedures

Ask about any tests or procedures you will undergo, the reasons for them, and the potential risks and benefits. Understanding the purpose of each procedure can help alleviate anxiety and ensure you are informed about your care.

Appointments and Care Team

Find out about your schedule of appointments with doctors and other healthcare professionals during your stay. Knowing who is part of your care team and their roles can be helpful. This may include physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, interns, residents, and fellows. Understanding the different roles in your care team can help you effectively communicate your needs and concerns.

Daily Movement and Activity

Inquire about the level of movement and activity expected during your hospital stay. Discuss any exercises or walking that may be beneficial, especially if you are at risk of losing strength due to a lack of movement. Ask about fall prevention measures, especially if you feel dizzy or unsteady. The hospital staff can provide guidance on safe mobility, such as using a call button for assistance and wearing non-slip footwear.

Discharge and Ongoing Care

Ask about the discharge process and what to expect when you return home. Request a discharge summary, which should include instructions for ongoing care, symptoms to monitor, and who to contact if problems arise. Understanding the next steps after your hospital stay can help ensure a smooth transition back to your daily life.

Remember, asking questions is an essential part of your hospital stay. Don't hesitate to seek information from your care team, as it can help ensure your safety, well-being, and a more positive hospital experience.

Frequently asked questions