Returning home after a hospital stay requires proper preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable environment to support your healing process. Whether a planned hospital visit or an unexpected event, preparing your or your parents' home ensures physical safety and contributes to mental and emotional well-being as you recover. Although you may feel overjoyed to be reunited with familiar surroundings, don’t skip these precautions. A few simple adjustments can ensure a smooth transition to get you back on your feet.
Managing the changes to your home before returning from the hospital can feel like a lot to handle. To create a successful homecoming, reach out to a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver willing to lend a helping hand. Ask them to arrange professional services for cleaning, moving heavy furniture, or making minor fixes. Or they could pull together a workday with friends and family to lighten the workload or coordinate running errands. Keep your point person in the loop about your progress and any specific requirements that you might have. It’s also a good idea to consult with your healthcare professionals, occupational therapists, or physical therapists for their expert advice on home modifications and accessibility. By making these changes ahead of time, you’ll be able to return to a safe and comfortable home, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on getting better without any unnecessary worries.
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Consider these helpful steps to transform your home into a sanctuary that promotes rest, rejuvenation, and a positive healing experience:
Plan for Safe Mobility and Fall Prevention
To promote a safe and accessible space for your recovery, start by clearing pathways, rearranging furniture, and removing obstacles throughout your home. Secure loose rugs or cords to avoid falls, and think about adding sufficient lighting in each room, especially hallways and staircases. Consider installing handrails in critical areas and using non-slip mats to reduce the risk of falls. Adjust the height of shelves and cabinets for easy access to what you use daily and install grab bars near toilets and showers.
Invest in adaptive equipment and assistive devices to help you regain your independence and confidently navigate your home. A cane, walker, or crutches can help with stability and weakness when walking. A wheelchair or mobility scooter can offer enhanced support indoors and outdoors. Clothing with adaptive closures, adjustable fasteners, long-handled button hooks, and open-back designs can make dressing easier if you have limited mobility or dexterity. A simple grabber tool can prevent you from straining or bending to reach something. Many of these simple precautions are also suggested to help seniors age in place. So you should consider making these changes now for your short-term needs and as a long-term investment.
Stocking Up on Essentials and Medical Supplies
Stock your pantry with nutritious, easy-to-prepare foods that align with any dietary restrictions or doctor recommendations. A well-stocked pantry and refrigerator will guarantee access to balanced, quick meals during your recovery.
Additionally, make sure you have an adequate supply of prescribed medications and any necessary medical supplies or equipment. Setting up a medication reminder system, whether an app on your phone or a pill organizer, can help you stay on track with your medication schedule and avoid potential complications. Staying organized and having everything you need readily available will help you follow your recovery plan without interruption.
Seeking Support and Establishing a Care Network
During your recovery, it is essential to establish a support system to assist you with daily tasks. Reach out to family and friends who can provide help with meal planning, transportation, and emotional support. Their presence will ease your burden and allow you to focus on your recovery. If additional support is needed, consider professional in-home care services. Skilled caregivers can assist with personal care, medication management, and mobility needs, ensuring comprehensive support during your initial recovery phase.
Prioritize Bedroom Safety and Comfort
After hospitalization, you may require bed rest and more sleep to recuperate. When preparing your bedroom for recovery, sleep safety should be at the top of your list of priorities. Depending on the length of your recovery and any permanent changes to your health and mobility, you can choose between renting a hospital bed or purchasing a hospital bed alternative. The Dawn House bed system is an excellent option with adjustable positions for the bed’s height, incline, and foot position, providing customizable support for various health conditions and personal preferences. Optional side rails offer extra support to reduce fall risks and injury. The bed system incorporates underbed lighting to ensure visibility and safety if you get up at night. And the voice-command controls mean you can adjust the bed’s settings without exerting unnecessary physical effort. The Dawn House bed system allows you to find a comfortable sleep position to promote better rest, reduce pain, and facilitate healing.
Create a Relaxing and Healing Space
Set the stage for healing with a nurturing and clean home. Hire a professional cleaning service to deep clean your living space before you return to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Introduce elements of relaxation to enhance your road to recovery. Soft lighting can create a relaxing ambiance and peaceful experience. Soothing scents, like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus, from an aromatherapy diffuser or scented candles are known for their calming properties. Use a white noise machine or play soft instrumental music, nature sounds, or guided meditation to aid your recovery, keep you calm, and lull you to sleep. Since you may be spending a lot of time resting in your bed, choose layers of soft, breathable bedding, cozy blankets, and throws for an inviting atmosphere. Select pillows that provide proper head and neck support for restful sleep. And a mattress and bed system from Dawn House is the perfect adjustable bed of your dreams to heal in.
As you embark on your post-hospital recovery journey, stay optimistic and understand the healing process can take time. Be kind to yourself and trust your ability to bounce back stronger than ever. Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals who can provide the necessary assistance and encouragement along the way. By creating a nurturing environment, you are taking the important steps toward a successful recovery. Your home is your haven; with these suggestions, it can become a place of healing, comfort, and renewed vitality.
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