Elderly Care in Wake County NC

Most of us want the best things for our family members. That includes children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and everyone else. When an elderly parent or other family member has been hospitalized, it can cause a great deal of anxiety and fear.

When they are finally cleared for discharge, most patients understand there will be some length of time for their recovery. Depending on the emergency, their health, and other factors, it could be a matter of days, weeks, or months.

Few people are actually focused on reducing hospital readmission rates, other than doctors and hospitals, but focusing on recovery is very much the same thing.

1.Encouragement may be at a premium.

An elderly person might be discouraged about their future. They might see the heart attack or mild stroke as being devastating.

They may not see how they could possibly recovered to the point where they can get back to life as they knew it. Finding encouragement can be difficult, to say the least. Below are three ways family members might be able to encourage an elderly loved one to stick to doctors recommendations regarding their recovery.

2. Visit or call.

A simple phone call to check in and see how things are going might not seem like a big deal, but to an individual who spends most of their day alone, it can be a breath of fresh air.

For those who have the capability and time to stop by and visit at least once or twice a week, they should be encouraged to do so. This simple visit or phone call may be just the encouragement that senior needs to push through physical therapy or continue adhering to what their doctor recommends.

3. Talk about doctor’s instructions.

When the senior is discharged from the hospital, he or she will be meeting with the doctor beforehand. This doctor will provide instructions on what he or she can or can’t, should or shouldn’t, do.

It can be a little confusing, especially if there are many different instructions. A family member or friend sitting down to discuss these instructions can help the senior better understand them and incorporate what’s needed for their benefit.

4. Talk about goals in life.

The senior might not feel their goals or wishes are important anymore. They certainly can and should be, though.

Just because a person had a heart attack or stroke doesn’t mean they have to give up living. There may be goals, places they want to visit, or things they want to try before it’s too late.

Understanding these goals and keeping them focused on those things can provide a great deal motivation to the individual who has trouble staying properly motivated.