July 22, 2016 by Dean Bellefeuille

Imagine this happening: your frail, senior mother, who lives alone, fell last weekend, broke her thigh bone and forearm, and is currently being released from the hospital. Leafing through her discharge papers reveals the need for medications, physical therapy, medical follow-up in several weeks, and a number of symptoms to watch for that could mean a return trip to the E/R.

With a family of six to care for and a full-time job, is it possible to also make sure she sticks to her doctor’s orders and can avoid another fall before she has even recovered from the last fall? Increasingly more often, family members are donning the role of caregiver for their senior parents – as many as 44 million and expanding, according to the AARP. And don’t forget to take into consideration that after a hospitalization, the level of care provided often needs to be stepped up in order to protect a loved one’s health and prevent a return to the hospital. The following information can assist family caregivers in keeping their senior loved ones safe and help with recovering at home:

  • Research information. Don’t be afraid to ask your loved one’s medical team as many questions as necessary to make sure you know how to provide the very best care, including what symptoms to watch for and who to call for help.
  • Take care of yourself. It can be stressful and emotional providing care for a loved one while managing all of your other duties as well! Be sure to take time for relaxing and enjoyable activities, get plenty of rest, and eat a balanced diet.
  • Make connections. Family members often feel the need to manage a loved one’s care needs alone, but it’s in everyone’s best interest to have a list of resources on hand to help: friends, extended family, neighbors, even a caregiving support group.

Keep At Home Independent Living in mind as well. Our specialty is providing professional care at home to keep seniors safe and help them experience a swifter recovery following hospitalizations. Give us a call at 315-579-4663, or fill out our simple online contact form to learn more about our Syracuse home health care and the communities we serve. We will provide the best care at home when you are not able to be there.