Your mother is going home after a hip operation. Your partner can leave hospital after pneumonia. Good news, but then the question often comes: how will things go at home? The first weeks after a hospital stay are often the hardest. In this article you will read what to expect, what you can prepare yourself and what care at home is possible.
Discharge from hospital
During the hospital stay, the hospital already checks whether care will be needed at home. The transfer nurse arranges this. She discusses with you and your family what help is needed: nursing for a wound, help with washing and dressing, or support during recovery. It is wise to take an active part. Say what will and will not work at home, and who lives nearby to help.
What can you arrange yourself before coming home?
- The house. Put the essentials on the ground floor if stairs are difficult. Remove loose rugs and have a chair with armrests ready.
- Aids. A shower chair, raised toilet seat or walker can often be borrowed from a home-care supplies shop. Ask the transfer nurse what is needed.
- Medication. Collect the new medication from the pharmacy and ask for an up-to-date overview. Discuss any changes with the GP.
- Groceries and meals. Arrange food for the first days or a meal service.
- Transport. Agree who will collect you and who will take you to the first hospital check-ups.
What care at home is possible?
District nursing is the most common form of care after a hospital stay. A nurse or carer comes to your home for wound care, injections, help with personal care or monitoring your recovery. This is covered by health insurance, without excess.
Support helps you pick up daily life again: structure, movement, shopping, and simply someone keeping an eye on things with you. Night care can be a relief in the first nights, if you feel unsure or if a loved one cannot stay alone.
How quickly can care start?
Hospital discharge is often arranged quickly, and home care has to start within a day or two. At RytelZorg we can in many cases start as quickly as possible. We coordinate with the transfer nurse, the GP and the pharmacy, so you do not have to explain anything again at home.
Recovery takes time
After a hospital stay, people are often more tired than they expect. That is normal. Build up activities gently, take time for meals and rest, and do not be too hard on yourself. Your carer watches for signs such as fever, a red wound, shortness of breath or confusion, and calls the GP if needed.
Care after hospital in Voorburg and the surrounding area
RytelZorg provides district nursing, personal care, support and night care at home in Voorburg, Leidschendam, Wassenaar and The Hague. You get a small, regular team that knows you, and we are available day and night. We work together with the GPs and hospitals in the region.
Are you or your loved one coming home soon? Get in touch or call 06 14 97 58 70. We are happy to think along with you, even if care needs to start quickly.