Tessa Quinn
Being admitted to the hospital can be planned or the result of an accident. It is important to understand why you are in the hospital and how to care for yourself after you leave. Before leaving the hospital, it is important to speak with your family, healthcare team, doctors, and nurses about your ongoing care and what you need to do when you leave. This may include picking up prescription medication, filling out forms, and arranging payments. To avoid readmission, it is crucial to follow your doctor's treatment plan, which may include medication, exercise, and follow-up appointments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for hospitalisation | Accident or planned |
| Before leaving the hospital | Complete all forms, pick up prescription medication, and arrange payment for any outstanding bills |
| Understand the discharge plan and any instructions for medication, exercises, and follow-up appointments | |
| Schedule a follow-up appointment | |
| Organise any services you may need at home, such as district nursing or home help | |
| How to help someone who is hospitalised | Offer to provide childcare or transportation for family members, help with laundry, mowing the lawn, picking up mail, watering plants, or fetching groceries |
| Pay for television service or a parking pass, give gift cards for the coffee shop or nearby restaurants, or donate blood or blood products | |
| Bring a home-cooked meal or a favourite snack (if the patient has no dietary restrictions) | |
| Provide companionship and mental stimulation through phone calls or visits, and bring photographs of friends, family, and pets |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare an ER go bag
Preparing an ER go bag can be daunting, but it is a good idea to have one ready in case of an emergency. You can prepare an ER go bag on a budget by buying used gear and starting with what you already have. Here are some essential items to include in your ER go bag:
Important Documents
It is crucial to have photocopies of essential documents in case of an emergency. These include insurance paperwork, your birth certificate, and the deed to your house. Put these documents in a zip-close bag to protect them from water damage. You could also save digital copies on a flash drive or the cloud.
First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential in an ER go bag. Include items such as a thermometer, Band-Aids, an Ace bandage, vinyl gloves, alcohol swabs, Neosporin, ibuprofen, and an antihistamine. For women, consider adding feminine products. You can buy a self-contained, ready-made first aid kit to save time and effort.
Emergency Supplies
Your ER go bag should also contain basic emergency supplies. This includes a multi-tool or knife, paracord or rope, duct tape, a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, and something to start a fire, such as a lighter or matches. These items can be useful in various emergency situations.
Water and Non-Perishable Food
Include at least one extra water bottle in your go bag to stay hydrated and for basic hygiene. Additionally, pack high-calorie, non-perishable food items that are easy to carry and provide energy, such as energy bars or bouillon cubes.
Comfort and Entertainment Items
In an ER situation, it is essential to have items that bring comfort and help pass the time. Consider adding a small and meaningful item, such as a stuffed toy, a photograph, or a prayer card. For entertainment, pack items like earbuds for listening to music, or a colouring book and crayons for children.
Remember to choose a sturdy and easy-to-carry bag for your ER essentials. Keep your go bag in a designated spot where you can easily access it in an emergency. It's also a good idea to review and update your bag periodically, ensuring that perishable items like water, food, and batteries are replaced as needed.
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Plan for your stay
Planning for a hospital stay can be stressful, but there are ways to make your time in the hospital more comfortable. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your stay:
Understand Your Condition and Procedure:
Learn about your condition and the purpose of your hospital stay. Educate yourself using trustworthy sources, such as reputable health websites or materials provided by the hospital. This knowledge will enable you to actively participate in your care and communicate effectively with your healthcare team.
Build a Support System:
Involve your family and close friends to provide emotional support during your hospital stay. Ask a trusted relative or friend to accompany you to the hospital and be your advocate. They can help communicate with the medical staff, ensure your questions are answered, and take notes during doctor visits. Their presence can make you feel less isolated and improve your recovery process.
Arrange Transportation:
Plan your transportation to and from the hospital in advance. Arrange rides with family members, friends, or caregivers. Many hospitals recommend having a ride home arranged, as you may be discharged early in the morning. If your health condition or the effects of surgery prevent you from driving, having someone to pick you up is crucial.
Pack Essential Items:
Bring essential personal belongings, including comfort items and toiletries. Decide on the clothing you want to wear and pack personal hygiene items. Consider entertainment options to keep yourself occupied during your stay, such as books, magazines, or electronic devices. Remember to leave valuables at home, as hospitals will not take responsibility for stolen items.
Prepare Important Documents:
Gather all your important records and paperwork, including insurance cards, pre-authorization forms, and other relevant documents. Have a list of all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Additionally, make sure to bring a list of emergency contact names and phone numbers, as well as your doctor's numbers, just in case they are needed.
By following these steps, you can feel more prepared and comfortable during your hospital stay. Remember to communicate any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare team, as they are there to support you throughout your journey.
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Organise post-acute care
Organising post-acute care is an essential step in ensuring a smooth transition from hospitalisation to independent living. Post-acute care is a critical component of the healthcare continuum, offering specialised support to patients who require continued care after hospital discharge. This care aims to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions and promote functional recovery, ensuring patients receive appropriate care and support.
There are various settings for post-acute care, including inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), home health care, and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs). The choice of setting depends on the patient's medical condition, the level of care required, and the available support system at home. Skilled nursing facilities, for instance, offer specialised nursing care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities, while long-term acute care hospitals provide extended medical care for individuals with complex medical conditions requiring continued monitoring and advanced treatments.
To organise post-acute care, patients and their families should work closely with their healthcare team, which may include doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists. This team will assess the patient's needs and recommend the most suitable care setting. They will also develop a discharge plan that outlines ongoing treatment and medication requirements. Additionally, they can provide information about care services and support programs, such as the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program or the Transition Care Program (TCP), which offers tailored support services for older individuals.
It is beneficial to be proactive in seeking out support networks and services that can aid in the transition from hospital to home. These networks may include social and peer support groups, as well as organisations specialising in specific health conditions. Patients can also refer to guides, such as the "After the Hospital" post-acute care guide, to help navigate the different options available and make informed decisions about their post-hospital care.
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Follow discharge instructions
Following your discharge from the hospital, you will still require ongoing care and support. Before leaving the hospital, it is crucial to work closely with your healthcare providers and discharge planner to develop a comprehensive discharge plan. This plan will outline the next steps in your recovery journey and ensure a smooth transition to the next level of care.
Your discharge plan will depend on your specific needs and condition. You may be discharged to your home or to another facility, such as a skilled nursing facility or a rehabilitation center. It is important to understand your injury or illness and the necessary aftercare, such as taking medication or caring for wounds. Ask your healthcare providers any questions you have about your recovery and follow-up care. They are there to support you and ensure you have the necessary information.
Once you have returned home or transitioned to another facility, carefully follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team. This may include specific tasks such as weighing yourself daily, performing prescribed exercises, or adhering to dietary guidelines. Keep all your follow-up appointments, and stay in communication with your healthcare providers. Let your family members or friends be a part of your recovery process, as they can provide support and assistance with tasks such as picking up medications or driving you to appointments.
Additionally, be mindful of any warning signs or symptoms that may indicate a need to contact your healthcare provider or return to the hospital. Understanding these signs is an important aspect of your discharge instructions and can help prevent complications or the need for readmission to the hospital. By following your discharge instructions diligently, you can promote a smooth recovery and ensure that you receive the necessary care and support during your transition from the hospital.
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Avoid readmission
While hospital readmissions are a common occurrence, there are several ways to avoid them. Firstly, it is important to understand the warning signs that may require you to call a healthcare professional or return to the hospital. Be sure to attend any follow-up appointments and record these dates, along with any special instructions, in your phone or diary. Before leaving the hospital, ensure you have completed all the necessary forms and documents, and that you clearly understand your discharge plan and any ongoing care requirements. This may include exercises, activities to avoid, fluid intake recommendations, wound care, and medication instructions.
Additionally, organise any services you may need at home, such as district nursing or home help. The hospital may also refer you to a post-acute care program, where healthcare professionals will visit you at home to monitor your recovery. If you have any questions about your medication, be sure to ask the hospital staff for clarification. It is also important to understand the potential causes of readmission, which can include advanced age, multi-morbidities, persistence of symptoms, and nosocomial infections. By identifying these risk factors, early follow-ups can be advised, and preventable readmissions can be avoided.
To further reduce the chances of readmission, it is beneficial to start discharge planning early. This includes knowing what items to take home, finding someone to assist with your home, work, and family responsibilities, and making arrangements for your return. Finally, in some cases, readmissions may be due to suboptimal treatment or care during the previous admission. By identifying these factors, healthcare quality can be improved, and the physical, social, and emotional burden of readmissions on patients can be reduced.
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Frequently asked questions
If your hospital stay is planned, it is important to be well prepared. This includes knowing what to take, finding someone to look after your home, work and family life, and making arrangements for your return home.
There are several ways to help a loved one who is hospitalized. You can offer to provide childcare or transportation for family members, help with their laundry, lawn, mail, plants, or groceries, or pay for television service or a parking pass. You can also bring them a home-cooked meal or their favorite snack (provided they have no dietary restrictions), or a gift card for the coffee shop or nearby restaurants.
It is important to understand why you were hospitalized and how to care for yourself after being discharged. Ask your doctors or nurses about what they recommend, including medications and follow-up visits. Make sure you understand the doctor's written instructions and ask questions if you don't understand something. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments and take any prescribed medication as directed to reduce the chances of readmission.
Many return visits to the hospital can be avoided with better coordination between doctors and nurses, and better planning for discharge by patients, their caregivers, and hospital staff. It is important to work with hospital staff so they know the name of your primary care provider. Additionally, taking care of yourself in terms of diet and exercise, and connecting with appropriate services outside of the hospital can help reduce readmissions.
