Titusville Area Hospital Discharge Information
Home Healthcare after a Hospital Stay
Everyone looks forward to leaving the hospital, but suddenly being without
healthcare professionals ready to handle any emergencies can be intimidating
as well. At Titusville Area Hospital, we provide patients with comprehensive
instructions on how to take care of themselves once they are discharged.
Specific information pertaining to your condition will be provided by your
doctor, but here you can find general information that will make your
return home a little easier.
Anticipate Your Weakened Condition
It can take time readjusting to your day to day life after leaving the
hospital, particularly after a surgery. You may be more easily fatigues,
have difficulty standing for long periods, and were most likely told to
take it easy for a few days. Additionally, you are forbidden to drive
yourself home from the hospital and must have someone willing to take
you. It is best to stay off the roads for a few days, and you should have
transport planned in case you need to visit a doctor soon.
You can prepare for your return home from the hospital by:
- Asking someone to stay with you for a few days while you recover
- Shopping for foods that will be easy to eat
- Having someone nearby willing to give you rides in case of an emergency
- Having backup caregivers in case the person looking after you needs to
leave for long periods
- Configuring your speed dial with emergency numbers
Get a Written List of Instructions
Home care can sometimes be extensive. It is important to remember all of
the do’s and don’ts, and it would be a good idea to have your
doctor write down specific instructions so you don’t forget anything.
Have them relay the same information to a friend or relative if possible.
Keeping another person close by who knows what your home care treatment
involves will make it easier to stick to it.
Keep Up With Medications
It is very common to take some sort of medication for at least a brief
period after a hospital stay. This is a critical part of your recovery
process. Write down everything you need to know, and make sure you ask
your doctor for explicit instructions for anything that is unclear. If
you will need the prescription to be refilled at some point, plan out
the pickup in advance. You may not be well enough to pick it up yourself,
and could need someone to go for you.
Once people start to feel better, many make the mistake of stopping their
medication before the prescribed end date. Remember that your improved
health is a result of the medication, and taking it before making a complete
recovery can result in the problem reoccurring.
Call for Emergencies
Perhaps the most important part of your home care is being prepared to
call a doctor if you need help. If you notice something odd, such as a
fever, difficulty breathing, or mysterious rashes, call immediately for
a professional opinion. If it is after hours and you feel the issue is
serious, return to the hospital as soon as possible. It is always better
to be cautious.