Getting Help After a Hospital Discharge

When you or a loved one returns home from the hospital, you may experience an initial period of relief to be home followed by a fear of what comes next. Many Las Vegas residents find that they need some extra support after returning home.

 

Why Get Help?

Often, it takes time for a person to fully recover after returning home from the hospital. You may find that you have less energy or physical strength after spending days or weeks in a hospital. Rarely do people leave the hospital fully healed from their illness or injury. Treatment and healing need to continue at home, but going out to see a doctor or living at home without support can be challenging and stressful for you and your family.

Individuals who are not fully recovered may feel anxious about completing daily tasks or fearful about falling. Family members and loved ones may find that they are not able to help as much as they would like without effecting their own responsibilities and life. This conflict can create stress and even damage relationships.

What Type of Support is Available?

Depending on your situation, you might benefit from professional in-home care, such as physical therapy, nursing care, or occupational therapy. In-home care professionals are trained to not only help you with special medical needs but they can also help you with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or cooking. Finally, many people who are receiving support at home benefit from having a social worker to help navigate and coordinate the process.

Can I Afford Home Care?

In the U.S., Medicare pays for some types of home health care. If your doctor agrees that you are in need of medical support and are not able to get it out of the home, Medicare may cover some of your needed services, including paying for physical therapy, home nursing, and necessary supplies. Medicare generally will not pay for non-medical services, such as assistance with preparing meals.

If your insurance does not cover what you need, you may be able to pay out of pocket for in-home care through a home healthcare agency. The first step in the process is to identify the types of support that you need and how often you need them. A home healthcare agency can help you to develop an individualized care plan.

If you have recently returned home from the hospital and find yourself struggling, in-home care may be what you need to remain safe and out of the hospital. Having just a little extra support can help you and your family to feel more confident and less stressed during this difficult time.