How to Stay Healthy and Recover Quickly After a Hospital Stay
Supporting yourself in a hospital or at home when you are can be challenging. Although moving to a senior rehabilitation facility can make things easier, it helps to know other things you can do to make the process smoother. The experienced caregiving team at our senior rehab in Rhode Island has put together some information to help guide you for a quick recovery.
Essential Things to Consider During Your Hospital Stay
Cognitive Decline
Studies suggest that cognitive decline is more common in older adults after a hospital stay. This is due to the sudden changes that happen during hospitalization and may result in disorientation, confusion, and agitation. Depending on your health, these effects may be temporary or persist for a longer time. Other reasons for cognitive decline can include a lack of mental stimulation, health concerns, and boredom.
Physical Decline
Research indicates that most patients over 70 may have a greater level of disability after discharge than when they arrived at the hospital. This is because being bedridden most of the day can lead to weakness and make it difficult to resume your daily routine. In addition to this physical weakness, the psychological effect of feeling helpless can be profound. By choosing to stay at a senior rehabilitation center, you can ensure you get the help you need with daily activities and work on building your strength until you can take care of yourself.
Lingering Stress
Hospital stays can be stressful because they disrupt your routine and can feel very isolating. This can also adversely impact your health and slow your recovery. Although you cannot regularly visit your family and friends, remembering time spent with them can help you feel better.
Loss of Power
When you get admitted to a hospital, don’t feel as if you are losing control. It helps to understand how important it is to trust the experts so you can recover quickly. Doing so will help you get back on your feet sooner after discharge.
How to Deal with Hospitalization in Your Senior Years
Finding comfort when you are recovering at a hospital can be difficult, especially if you have difficulty articulating your emotions. Keep in mind the following points to make the stay easier, help you deal with the lingering effects of a hospital stay, and ensure a rapid recovery:
Accept Help from Loved Ones
It can be challenging to do your regular tasks when you are at the hospital and recovering. It helps to accept help when offered for difficult activities such as laundry, walking your dog, and more. This will let you have peace of mind that everything is getting done and allow you to concentrate on the recovery process.
Do Not Hesitate to Ask Again for Help
If you need help for an extended period, be sure to ask for it. You can also consider moving to a senior rehabilitation facility where you will have specialists available to provide assistance and help you with your daily activities.
Be Thankful for Cards and Text Messages
Although it can sometimes feel difficult to be thankful, practicing gratitude can help you deal with stressful situations. It will also let your loved ones and caregivers know that you appreciate their help. You could start by responding to messages and letting them know about your progress, and thanking them for checking in on you.
Keep Yourself Active
Ensure you keep yourself physically active and mentally stimulated by doing something you like. Going for short evening walks, reading books, listening to good music, and catching up with friends and family are a few enjoyable yet easy activities. You can also find yourself a hobby and develop your skills to keep yourself occupied and feel energized and refreshed.
Arrange for Transportation
At the time of discharge, you may be too tired or not healthy enough to drive. Ask a family member, friend, or acquaintance to drive you to your destination to ensure you get there safely.
4 Apps to Monitor Your Health
From medication reminders to coordinating caregiving responsibilities with family members, you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips with the following apps:
- MedCoach: Essentially a medication reminder, this app lets you know when it’s time for you to take any medicine. It can also connect with your pharmacy to refill your prescriptions when you run low.
- Fooducate: This app allows you to determine whether a specific food product is good for you by scanning the barcode. Many health-conscious consumers use it to count calories and make healthier choices. It is also helpful if you are trying to avoid food allergies or taking care of other dietary restrictions.
- OnTrack Diabetes: Helpful if you need to track and monitor your blood glucose levels. You can generate detailed graphs and reports to share with your physician and set reminders to keep yourself on track.
- CareZone: Caring for yourself in your senior years becomes easier with this app. It helps you document, organize, manage, and share health-related information such as medication schedules, doctor’s appointments, and to-do lists with your family. You can note symptoms and receive health tips for better care, and share vital information with family in an emergency.
Other useful applications include magnifying and light apps if your phone did not come with them, news apps, and eBooks. They will help you get back to your routine, keep in touch with current events or enjoy some quiet time.
Get the Best Senior Rehab in Rhode Island
At The Holiday Skilled Nursing and Senior Rehabilitation Facility in Manville, Rhode Island, we have been caring for seniors since 1973. We offer comfortable housing, nutritious meals, and exciting activities to help enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We are committed to keeping our residents healthy and happy. If you want to enjoy an independent retirement lifestyle in a safe environment, our nursing home and rehab in Lincoln, RI, is the ideal place.
Here’s how we can help you:
- Offer customized care plans to meet your unique needs.
- Provide state-of-the-art services and access to a modern, 2,000 sq. ft. gym.
- Arrange a wide range of activities to promote better healing.
- Have dedicated members to provide the highest quality of care.
- Find ways to enhance your recovery and make you feel at home.
Give us a call at 1-401-765-1440 for more information about our senior rehab in Rhode Island, or fill out our online form to book a tour.
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