Senior Helpers of Southwest Pittsburgh

Transitional care can fill a gap between returning home from the hospital after a procedure, or a rehab facility after an associated stay.A senior in-home care agency and the care givers they provide are a good option when returning home from a surgical procedure. The healthcare reform that has been evolving over the last several decades has been moving to a shorter hospital stay, and this means patients go home before they might have in the past. This leaves that patient vulnerable, especially if they do not have a support system in place to help them with activities of daily living (ADLs) during their at-home recuperation period.When you are discharged from a hospital or facility, your recovery is often just beginning. A non-medical in-home care agency makes the transition from hospital to home easier with an approach to care management that is built around patient goals and creating a safe environment for recuperation.A customized in-home assessment will take stock of what you need to successfully recover and builds a care plan around your condition and goals. The agency will provide only the most appropriate assistance with companion or personal care services to support their ongoing success. Companion care can include tasks such as transportation, shopping, medication reminders, pet care, meal prep, light housekeeping, and errands. Personal care refers to assistance with hygiene, bathroom use, dressing, and walking.The care plan is designed with your input and is the blueprint for the activities that you need accomplished on a day-to-day basis until you are self-sufficient once again just like prior to the surgical procedure. It should spell out the days and hours of care that will occur as well as the specific tasks that must be completed. Regular visits to the doctor and any necessary follow-up appointments are important to a successful recovery.If you need a ride, the care agency has insured drivers who can get you there and pick up your prescriptions as you return home.Eating nutritious meals is very important to maintaining good health. It becomes even more important when special dietary requirements are necessary, such as with a post-surgical, diabetic, or congestive heart failure patient. Compliance with any post-discharge nutrition orders can be enhanced by prepared meals to meet your specific dietary needs.Many people delay or even avoid having a procedure completed due to not having in-home help when they are back in the comfort of their own home. Being in this situation may not necessarily be restricted to seniors, as anyone of any age might need supplemental help with their care after a hospital stay.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jeff Kosor, owner of Senior Helpers of Southwest Pittsburgh. He can be reached at 412-851-3223 or JKosor@seniorhelpers.com

Choosing to get additional in-home support for yourself or a loved one is an important decision. In some cases, a physician may recommend certain services that can be received at home following a fall, surgery, or an illness. But in other cases, the need for in-home care may not be as clear. How do you know if the time is right to get some additional support in your home?1.      Is family support or a support network readily available? If not, this is one clue for the need for additional care.2.      Does you or your loved one have freedom of mobility being able to ambulate indoors and outdoors without falling? Is getting into/out of bed, climbing stairs, or negotiating the shower/tub a concern?3.      Is the person able to drive safely? Do they drive at all?4.      Does the loved one still have a capable memory and is able to perform tasks such as remembering to take medication, turn off a stove burner, and lock doors?5.      Is this person able to follow complex medical directions such as taking vital signs, or following a prescription regimen without supervision?6.      Can the loved one shop for themselves, stocking the home with healthy groceries, and then able to prepare these consistently?7.      Is this person able to pay attention to personal hygiene as well as do their own laundry including clothes, towels, and bedlinens?8.      Does the loved ones home offer a safe environment for living and socializing? Do they keep it clean, well heated and cooled, and free from pests. Is the home free from clutter and hazards (loose rugs, exposed wiring, slippery tile, uneven surfaces, etc.), and would they know what to do in the case of an emergency?9.      Are the levels of social interaction what they were 5 years ago?The points mentioned above should give you a starting point to think about in-home care and then have an appropriate conversation with your loved one. It might be urgent if the points above are not being accomplished, or it might be beneficial if the points are not consistently being accomplished.Editors Note:  This article was submitted by Jeff Kosor, owner of Senior Helpers of Southwest Pittsburgh.  Jeff can be reached at jkosor@seniorhelpers.com or 412.851.3223