Helping Seniors Adjust to a New Way of Life Following a Hospital Stay

Many elderly patients deteriorate mentally or physically in the hospital, even if they recover from the original illness or injury that brought them there. Helping seniors adjust after a hospital stay requires adjusting to a new way of life.

According to an article from PBS News Hour, For Elderly Patients, Hospital Stays Often Worsen Disabilities, research shows that about one-third of patients over 70 years old and more than half of patients over 85 leave the hospital more disabled than when they arrived. As a result, many seniors are unable to care for themselves after discharge and need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing or even walking.

Bringing in a home health aide for a parent in this situation is often the best way to make sure your loved one is safe and able to keep up with day-to-day activities such as making meals, light housekeeping, bathing and more.

If your elderly parent is hospitalized unexpectedly, it is important that you begin to plan for their post-hospital or rehab care as soon as possible. This way you will have a plan in place that allows your loved one to be cared for the best way possible.

If you have questions about in-home care and how to help your loved one adjust to their “new normal” following a hospital stay, call Physician’s Choice Private Duty at 402-881-7923. We have lots of experience helping seniors adjust after a hospital stay and are here to help.