Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after being in the hospital can greatly improve the condition of your loved one, which can help keep them to regain their independence.

If your loved one has recently spent some time in the hospital, you may want to consider rehabilitation to help him or she gets back into pre-hospital condition. Rehabilitation services can put them back on the right track to regaining their strength, health and independence. As research shows, even a short stay in the hospital can lead to a decline in physical abilities.

Adjusting to the “new normal” of limited mobility and daily living needs within one’s home is never easy. And bringing a “stranger” in to provide home care can put additional strain (at least initially) on both the elderly loved one and her family.

Here are ways you can help ease the transition:

• Make sure that the professional caregiver is a good match for your loved one. This is a primary responsibility of ELMS Health Solutions.
• Work with ELMS Health Solutions to evaluate the safety of your loved one’s home. Pinpoint areas of risk: unsecured rugs, floor transitions from room to room, the security of bars and railings, seating arrangements, access to the kitchen and bathroom.
• If necessary, hire home improvement contractors to add ramps, railings and other supports, widen doorways, change sink, toilet and tub configurations to improve access and safety.
• Consider setting up home security and remote monitoring systems that enable you to stay in touch with your loved one through a video link or a phone app.
• Work with the caregiver’s ELMS Health Solutions has selected to care for your loved one. Tell them about your loved one’s likes and dislikes (food, home care, entertainment, etc.).
• Before your loved one arrives home, arrange for the caregiver(s) to meet them at the hospital or rehab facility for a get-to-know chat.
• Ask for the caregiver to be present in the home when your loved one returns from hospital or rehab
• Make time after work or on weekends to spend time with your loved one and her caregiver. Listen to both, separately, to assess how the relationship is progressing.

Choose our flexible homecare services, anything from a 15 minute check call, to 24 hour live in care. We can offer short term help (following an illness or because your usual carer is having a break), or longer term homecare and support. Our dedicated team of homecare workers are fully trained to:

Making the transition from hospital to rehabilitation to home care can be extremely challenging, especially if the health, mobility and mental state of your loved one have changed profoundly. Through the process, remember:

• Make a list of questions before each meeting. There are no bad/stupid questions.
• Anticipate and plan the next phase in your loved one’s care long before you approach that step.
• Keep a notebook and record your conversations with physicians, discharge specialists, rehab experts and the home care professionals you hire.
• Listen to both your loved one and their caregiver to make sure they are well-matched.

Give yourself permission to make time for yourself – to rest and recharge. Your elderly loved one and your family will benefit