If you or someone you know has been in hospital or had an illness or fall, you may need additional care to help you get back to normal and stay independent once you get home.
It is a fact of life that our NHS hospitals continue to be under immense pressure, not least when it comes to ensuring that patients have the right care and support to continue their recovery at home. In the case of elderly patients, discharge from hospital can be very worrying, particularly if they live on their own or with an elderly partner.
SAFE DISCHARGE
Hospital teams should always ensure that any discharge is a ‘safe discharge’ and this will normally involve some temporary support referred to as ‘intermediate’, ‘reablement’ or ‘after’ care. Depending on a patient’s needs, this care could be provided for a couple of days, one – two weeks, or in some cases longer, but to a maximum of six weeks – it will depend on how soon a patient is able to cope at home on their own. But at best, it will likely not be support every day and visits may not be very regular or timely.
In most situations, a key focus for an elderly person who has been in hospital is to get back home to their own familiar surroundings. And one solution for all concerned could be the engagement of a carefully selected live-in carer, who can deliver peace of mind for temporary recuperation or on a more permanent basis.
LEAVING HOSPITAL
Naturally, some people can be discharged from hospital without the need for any additional support. Whatever the situation, there are some important things that everyone should consider when leaving hospital:
• Ensure you leave hospital with a discharge letter detailing the treatment you have received and any follow up care or appointments
• Ask a relative or carer to help you leave hospital and settle in at home
• Make sure you understand what medicines you need to take and when
• If the hospital is arranging for equipment at home, make sure you or the person helping you knows how to use it
• Feel free to ask a member of the hospital team to write down anything that you will need to remember
• Make sure you know who to contact if you need more help.
LIVE-IN CARER SUPPORT
Whether it is just for a short time or for ongoing support, engaging a live-in carer could be the most effective step to take, especially during the important first couple of weeks at home when an elderly person may need physical help as well as companionship and support to regain confidence. A live-in carer could be an invaluable support during the discharge process, giving both the patient and loved ones reassurance. Alternatively, in the situation whereby an elderly person might need a greater degree of personal care and support longer term in order to return to their own home, having a live-in carer on an ongoing basis could be the answer.
Otus registered live-in carers all have the correct training and skill set to care for someone in their own home. Otus carers renew their training on an annual basis, thereby ensuring they have the most up to date skills. Otus provides carers for clients who need reassurance, medication prompting, general household support and companionship, as well as for people who have more complex care needs, for example full assistance with mobility (using a hoist); assistance with bathing, washing and dressing (including help getting into and out of the bath or shower); continence care and help with toileting (including the emptying of commodes or catheters). Having specific training and experience in how to care for a person who has a terminal illness, has suffered a stroke or is suffering from advanced Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease are also areas of care that a live-in carer can undertake.
WHO WE ARE
Otus Live-in Care is a privately owned company offering a bespoke service introducing personal live-in carers and companions to clients in their own homes. We are dedicated to help provide support for those who want to remain living in their own home independently, but with the security that they have someone living with them to deliver support and provide companionship. To find out more about how a live-in carer could help you maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst retaining your independence and remaining in your own home, visit our website www.otusliveincare.com, call us on 01403 710119 or email [email protected]