The move from hospital to home can be challenging for both the patient and their family, especially if they have recently been diagnosed with a complex care need.
Once an individual has been released from hospital, they might find they need additional care to help them during their recovery, or to help them cope with their current condition.
The signs can be subtle, making it hard for family members to decide whether additional specialist support is needed.
To help you ensure your loved one gets the care they need, here are some early warning signs to look out for:
Increased health needs
One of the most crucial signs your loved one needs additional care if is they experience changes in their physical health.
Caring for a complex condition, such as Parkinson’s disease, might require additional support systems so, if you notice your loved one has physical changes (like weight loss or impaired mobility) then they might need extra specialist support to help them manage.
Increased falls and injuries
Your loved one might be struggling at home and may need extra support if they experience an increase in falls and other accidents.
These accidents might be occurring during day-to-day tasks such as going to the bathroom or making a drink.
Altered eating habits
Care given in a hospital will have given your loved one a food-based schedule, where they are provided with food often to help them remain healthy whilst they recover.
Now they are at home, they might struggle to cook as often as they need to or may not eat the correct things.
Failure to take medication
Taking medication for a complex condition is crucial to ensuring your loved one heals or rehabilitates as well as possible.
If medication starts to stack up, this might be a sign your loved one needs extra support in their home.
You are struggling to cope with the demands of care
Once your loved one left the hospital, you might have taken it upon yourself to care for them at home.
If the level of care an individual needs becomes too demanding for you to cope with, it might be a sign they need additional care and support.
As these can be minor to begin with, it’s important to keep an eye out for persistent or growing changes.
Recognising these signs as early as possible will help your loved one on their rehabilitation journey.
If you would like to discuss additional care for a loved one, please contact us today or call 024 7610 2333.
