Tips for Recovering at Home After a Hospitalization

Leaving the hospital is usually a relief, but going home doesn’t mean the recovery process is over. In fact, the days and weeks following a hospital stay are often the most critical. Whether you are returning home after surgery, illness, or an injury, the proper preparation and assistance can support a timely recovery.

• Prepare Your Home if Possible

If you’re going into the hospital for a planned procedure, you have time to prepare for recovery. “Ask your health care provider, nurses, or physical therapist about getting your home ready for your return,” advises the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Your preparation may include:

• Moving your bed, stocking up on recommended foods and beverages, and making sure your daily needs (phone, books, medications, etc.) are within easy reach.

• Getting medical equipment, such as a hospital bed, raised toilet seat, walker, or shower stool. “If your hospital stay was unplanned, have family or friends prepare your home for you,” the NIH suggests.

• Understand the Discharge Plan

Tim Petlin, the owner of Right at Home in Santa Monica, advises clients to be sure they’ve received a written discharge plan before they leave the hospital. This typically includes medication instructions, wound care guidance, physical activity recommendations, dietary guidelines, and follow-up appointments. “Make sure you understand everything,” Tim says. “Don’t hesitate to ask questions before heading home. Having a friend or loved one review the plan with you can be helpful.”

• Medication Management Matters - Recovery often involves a complex medication schedule. “One missed dose – or one dose too many – can derail progress or even lead to a trip back to the hospital,” Tim explains. If your medications were changed during your hospital stay, be sure to set aside any outdated prescriptions at home (or dispose of them, if the doctor advises).

• Don’t Skimp on Follow-Up Care - Many people don’t realize how common it is to end up back in the hospital shortly after being discharged. Follow-up care is important – don’t skip those post-hospital doctor visits. And, follow any routines in your care plan, such as monitoring blood pressure or doing prescribed exercises.

• Above all, keep an eye out for early warning signs of trouble, such as shortness of breath, swelling, confusion, or increasing pain.

• Tend to Your Mental and Emotional Well-Being - Healing isn’t just physical. After a hospital stay, people often feel tired, anxious, or even isolated – especially if they live alone. “If your loved one was hospitalized,” Tim suggests, “encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling, and ask them if they want to work with a counselor or support group.”

• Don’t Forget the Basics: Nutrition and Hydration - A body that’s healing needs fuel. Nutritious meals and adequate hydration are essential during recovery, but it’s not always easy to shop, cook, or remember to eat when you’re not feeling your best. In-home caregivers can help with grocery runs, meal preparation,

or encouraging healthy snacks and water throughout the day.

• Stay in Touch With Health Care Providers - Finally, know when to reach out to your doctor. Any signs of infection difficulty breathing, new or worsening pain should be taken seriously.

The Santa Monica office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of Santa Monica, Palisades, Culver City, Mar Vista, Venice, Marina del Rey, and surrounding areas. For more information, contact Right at Home of West Los Angeles at www.rahwestla.com, or call 310-313-0600.