Preparing for your hospital discharge

Spending time in hospital away from your loved ones can be a very stressful experience and once you are ready to return home, organising your care can be a daunting prospect.

Before the procedure

Prior to your time in hospital, it is important to limit stress as much as possible by ensuring that you are fully informed about what the procedure entails, the potential outcomes and the care you may require after.

Preparing for hospital discharge:

• What will your mobility be like following the procedure?
• Do you live alone? – if so, will you need someone to help with daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, looking after pets?
• How will you be getting home from the hospital? Will you need someone to collect you, arrange a taxi or will the hospital be arranging your transport?
• What medical equipment will you need?
• Is your home a suitable environment for you to commence your recovery in? If not what other options can you explore?
• Do you or the person looking after you have a supply of medication to take home with you and do you understand how to take any new medication you have been given?

Once you obtain the necessary information in relation to your surgery or stay in hospital, it will enable you to make more informed decisions regarding your care. By having a comprehensive understanding of your surgery or hospital stay and its implications you can proactively plan for the necessary support, such as arranging for assistance with dressing changes, ensuring someone is available to help you with your mobility or coordinating the presence of a caregiver who can provide support throughout your recovery journey.

During your admission

During your hospital stay you should take the time to discuss with your doctors and nurses about what you should anticipate after your procedure. Their expertise can provide invaluable insight into the specific care requirements you will need. To facilitate these conversations, consider asking the following questions:

• Will I need any care after my hospital stay?
• What medications should I take and what is the recommended medication schedule to follow once I am at home?
• What activities can I engage in and what activities should I avoid during my recovery period?
• Are there any specific dietary restrictions or nutritional requirements I should be aware of?
• What medical equipment will I need at home?
• What resources are accessible to assist me with my home care needs?
• What red flags or changes in my condition should I look for?

In addition to consulting with your doctors and nurses, it may be beneficial to seek advice from various healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists. In more complex cases you may also have the opportunity to communicate with a discharge co-ordinator who can provide further guidance and support.

Understanding the essential equipment required for a safe recovery at home is crucial. Depending on your specific needs, you might require items such as a hospital bed, dressing supplies, hoists, a commode, and assistance with mobility such as a zimmer frame. You can speak with the hospital, or your chosen care provider to explore options for obtaining the necessary equipment.

Post Discharge

After your hospital stay, feeling overwhelmed and nervous about what comes next is normal. Whether you’re caring for yourself, relying on loved ones, or seeking help from healthcare professionals, remember it’s okay to ask for assistance.

What can a District Nurse help with?

A District Nurse will provide support and care for clients in their own homes, they can assess your healthcare requirements and engage in a discussion about your care plan to ensure a well-rounded approach to your care. If you require assistance with wound dressings, injections, or daytime visits to put your mind at ease during your recovery, this may be covered by your District Nurse.

How can a care agency like Cavendish Homecare help?

If you seek the peace of mind and personalised care that you can have control over, reaching out to a trusted care agency like Cavendish Homecare can give you the peace of mind and reassurance that you need. The Cavendish Homecare team are well equipped with the skills and experience to talk you through your post operative recovery and curate a tailored care plan to suit your individual needs.

How can Cavendish Homecare support your discharge from hospital:

• A registered nurse or carer to escort you home from hospital or meet you at your home to help you settle back in.
• Provide live in care, day/night care or visits.
• Setting up the equipment so you know how to use it, can safely access and have the right equipment for your needs.
• Develop a bespoke care plan that covers everything from exercises, medication schedule, dietary requirements and general care.
• Monitor your recovery, adapt your to care needs as required and notify any other clinicians involved in your care of any concerns.

Contact us

At Cavendish Homecare, we deliver exceptional post-operative care nursing in the familiar surroundings of your own home, empowering you to regain your sense of self. We provide personalised private homecare tailored to individual needs in London and the Home Counties. To learn more about our care services and how we can assist with your hospital discharge, please reach out to our team at 020 3008 5210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com. We are here to discuss further and address any questions or concerns you may have.