Recuperating at home from a long hospital stay can easily take its toll personally, financially and otherwise. However, what happens when post-operative home care is not planned? Here are a few pointers on how to this transition run as smooth as possible.
Be Informed
There is nothing worse than not having a stronghold on the knowledge available on home care for post-operative patients. Someone once said that knowledge is power and in order to maintain balance, it is important to understand and be informed about the possible challenges that may lay ahead for a post-operative home care patient. Recuperations can take longer than initially expected that is why it is important to communicate effectively with doctors, social workers and home care professionals on what to expect. A large part of being informed relies solely on taking the time out to speak one-on-one with your Primary Care Physician about the home care professionals that may be working with you. You will need to know the comfort level that nurses have with both changing dressings, administer intravenous medications in addition to helping you with things around the house as well.
Know What Equipment You Will Need
Patient support services in any medical facility will better be able to assist you with any equipment that you may require for post-operative care. Consider having a detailed list on the equipment that has been recommended versus the equipment that is a necessity for and during your recovery time at home.
Calculate the Costs
Many times insurance may not pay for the care that is provided by home care aides. It is best to call up your insurance company (or have a friend/family member do this) in order to see what (if any) costs are covered by the insurance. You need to know what the fine print is regarding short term and long term care. If you are recovering from an operation, then more than likely the coverage would fall under short-term, but no matter what, it will prove beneficial to ask.
Plan in Advance
Advanced planning is often a good thing especially when it comes to post-operative home care. Sure, no one truly has the foresight to see when an emergency will happen that results in you or a friend or family member being admitted to a hospital for surgery. However, having additional funding saved up for possible homecare can be helpful. Furthermore, maintaining proper communication with your doctor regarding how post-operative recovery will be done, should you need it, can be exceedingly helpful in the long run.
Contacting assisted living facilities to see how they hand post-operative care in addition to referrals for home care professionals can be helpful as well. Take time out to speak with hospital discharge managers or social workers, who can provide a plethora of information on your situation. Most of all consider doing an Internet search. First seek out general information on post-operative care, and then consider narrowing down that information, and tailoring it to what you are truly looking for.
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