While at times necessary for your loved one’s health, a hospital stay takes a serious toll on their emotional and mental well-being. Once at home, people start feeling calmer and happier, which has a direct positive effect on their condition.
With in-home private nursing care, your family member has an opportunity to heal physically and mentally in the comfort of their home with minimal time in a hospital. To maximize the benefits and avoid setbacks, you have to arrange a seamless transition from hospital to in-home care.
Understanding how this type of transition works is key to helping your loved one feel safe and comfortable at home.
Understanding the Transition: Needs and Considerations
A seamless transition from hospital to home begins with careful planning. If the hospital is ready to discharge a patient, it means they are confident in their stability. However, one in five patients experience adverse events in the few weeks after the transition because of improper care.
To avoid this issue, you need to ask yourself these questions:
● Do I have all the necessary instructional paperwork regarding in-home care after leaving the hospital?
● Do I have all the necessary equipment to provide in-home care (wheelchair, IV, oxygen system)
● Do I have special transportation (if necessary)?
● Did I review all elements that could become a hazard or obstacle in the house (stairs, clutter, poor lighting, wobbly furniture)?
The main consideration is how much in-home care your loved one needs. If they require minor assistance with everyday activities, you could rely on other family members or hire a home health aide. However, if they need continuous monitoring and medical care, you would have to consider elite in-home nursing.
The Benefits of Long-Term In-Home Care
Medical and nursing home facilities can have a detrimental effect on your loved one’s mental health. Around 30% of nursing home residents suffer from depression. Arranging long-term in-home care for your family member can dramatically improve their quality of life.
Other benefits of considering at-home care when arranging a transition from the hospital are:
● Personalized Care – the home careprofessional develops a deep understanding of the patient’s medical history, preferences, and specific needs, leading to more effective and comprehensive care.
● Familiarity – long-term in-home care allows the person to remain in a familiar environment surrounded by their personal belongings, family members, and pets. This familiarity can promote a sense of security, reduce stress, and aid in the healing process.
● Relationships – in-home care allows your loved one to stay at home instead of living in a facility, likely out of the way from friends and loved ones. This helps foster stronger relationships between family members.
● Continuity of Care – long-term in-home nursing ensures continuity of care, as the same medical professional is consistently present to monitor the patient’s condition and progress. This consistency allows for better tracking of health changes, early detection of potential issues, and the ability to address concerns promptly.
● Reduced Risks – in-home nursing can significantly enhance the safety of patients, especially those with mobility issues due to chronic conditions. The medical professional can conduct regular assessments of the home environment, identifying potential hazards and implementing necessary safety measures.
One of the most important benefits of long-term in-home care is your peace of mind. When your loved one lives in a comfortable environment with a medical professional taking care of their needs, you can be sure you are doing everything to keep them healthy and comfortable.
Selecting In-Home Private Nursing: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the right in-home private nursing services is key to ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home and having confidence in the quality of long-term care.
Assess Your Loved One’s Needs
Begin by evaluating the specific care requirements of your loved one. Consider factors such as their medical condition, daily living activities that require assistance, and specialized care or therapies they need.
Research Options
Start by researching and compiling a list of reputable in-home private nursing services in your area. Seek recommendations from health care professionals, friends, or family members who may have used similar services. Online directories or health care associations can also provide valuable information.
Verify Licensing
Once you narrow down the candidates, make sure they are licensed to provide care. Check if they meet the necessary regulatory standards and have qualified, licensed nurses on staff.
Check Experience
Ask about the experience of the nurses and health aides employed by the service. Look for a team that has expertise in the specific areas relevant to your loved one’s condition. For example, if your loved one requires post-surgery care or specialized dementia care, you need a medical team with extensive experience in these niches.
Evaluate Reputation
Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the reputation and quality of care. Online platforms, social media, and health care forums can be valuable sources of feedback.
Conduct Interviews
Once you have shortlisted potential in-home care services, conduct interviews with representatives from each organization. Prepare a set of questions to understand their approach to care, flexibility with schedules, emergency protocols, and communication processes.
Review Contract and Terms
Carefully review the contract provided by the in-home private nursing service. Pay attention to terms regarding the duration of care, termination policies, scope of services, and any unique requirements.
Addressing Chronic Conditions
When your loved one has a chronic condition, the transition from hospital to home should involve designing in-home care strategies to suit their special needs.
Such conditions as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, MS, and ALS are accompanied by continuous decline of mind or body or both. They require a special approach to in-home assistance, including tactics aimed at physical safety and psychological comfort.
Chronic conditions can cause new symptoms over time. That’s why all strategies must be tailored to your loved one’s changing needs in mind. With time, you may also need to consider round-the-clock live-in care.
Transitioning with Confidence
As your loved one prepares to transition from hospital to home, you need to explore the most suitable in-home care arrangements. With the right in-home care partner, you can ensure personalized assistance in a comfortable setting that does not just improve your loved one’s condition by gives you much-needed peace of mind.
Alliance Homecare is the leading provider of elite in-home nursing services in New York. We have a team of exceptionally skilled RNs and LPNs, highly experienced certified HHAs, and supportive care staff that’s on call 24/7.Fill out a simple form or contact our team today at (646) 790-5116 to begin arranging high-quality in-home care for your loved one.
We are proud to be New York’s premier home health care agency, seamlessly facilitating the transition to in-home care for over 15 years. Contact our experienced care team today to start getting your loved one the care they deserve, or learn more about our available home care services here.
