Suffering from a stroke, slip and fall accident, concussion, or other medical incident or condition is traumatic to say the least. Going through the rehabilitation process can be hard, but worth it. When you or your loved one finally get to return home, there is a legitimate feeling of relief and accomplishment.
However, transitioning back to life at home post-rehab has its own set of challenges as well. Here are 4 basic elements of making the adjustment successful.
1. The Discharge Plan
Even before you leave the skilled nursing facility, rehab center, or hospital for home, medical professionals will be formulating a discharge plan. A pre-discharge assessment will be done to determine what kind of care may be needed at home and what medical equipment, living environment changes, family support, and disability benefits may be appropriate.
Those in charge of the discharge plan will insist you have a safe place to live before leaving. They will also plan future in-home rehab visits, health monitoring, and other elements of making a smooth transition.
2. Living Space Preparation
The second key to making a successful transition post-rehab is to have the living environment fully prepared before you arrive. Your home should be safe to live in and should assist you in furthering the recovery process.
It may be necessary to switch rooms to avoid having to use staircases, and a wheelchair ramp may need to be installed at the main entryway. Loose rugs may need to be removed since they could create a tripping hazard. Grab bars and a shower seat may be needed in the bathroom.
As it can be hard to think of everything that needs to be adjusted, it is a good idea for the rehab patient to do a trial visit before discharge to test the home environment.
3. Adjusting Your Daily Routine
With a plan in place and home adjustments already made, you finally arrive home again! But remember, there is still more adjustment to be made – in your daily routine.
You may or may not be able to drive a car, walk up and down stairs, shower on your own, prepare your own meals, or go out to pick up the mail and buy groceries. There will be a process of learning to do some things differently, avoiding other activities, and learning new ones like continued rehab exercises. And you may need to rely on caretakers or family to provide for some of your needs as well.
This is an emotional adjustment as well as a physical one. It will take some getting used to, but don’t give up. Many others have successfully readjusted after a stroke or other accident, and you can too.
4. Getting Follow Up Care
You may have ongoing care from family, friends, or a professional in-home caretaker at home. This will take care of day to day needs and constant monitoring of your condition to keep you safe.
However, there will also usually be a need to schedule follow-up care. That can consist of trips to the doctor’s office or a skilled nurse or doctor visiting you in your home, depending on how easy it is for you to travel. Even after successfully transitioning back to home life, you can’t forget about ongoing medical needs. Staying on top of it through follow-up care is essential.
For more advice on how to make the transition back home following rehabilitation, feel free to contact us at The Arbors in Amarillo, Texas. We are a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, focused on putting you and your family first. We’ll help you or your loved one make the necessary transition safely and as quickly as possible!
