What Are Your Care Options After a Hospital Stay?
If you’ve recently been admitted to the hospital and will need short-term or long-term care after your hospital stay, there are several options depending on your circumstances and the level of care required.
Whether you’ve just had surgery and will need assistance with medications, changing bandages, and light chores around the house for a few weeks, or you anticipate more intensive, around-the-clock care, you have a range of options to choose from.
United Methodist Communities has put together a list of care options available to you or a loved one after a hospital stay. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for recovery, and it’s important to thoroughly understand your daily requirements, on a personal and medical level, before deciding which care option is best.
At-home care services
A home health aide is a licensed medical professional who visits your home to provide the care you need. They will usually visit once a day, but this can be modified depending on your unique circumstances. Home health services are often used when someone is recovering from an operation, injury, illness, or if someone has limited mobility and needs help with certain things around the house. Home health aides can be very helpful for older adults who live alone, and when family members aren’t always available to stop by and check in on their loved ones.
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)
These facilities are generally for people who have complex medical conditions or injuries and require a high level of care 24/7. If your loved one will require intensive and professional medical care following their stay in the hospital, a SNF is probably the best choice for them.
They’ll have dedicated medical professionals who are equipped to care for them, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re being properly cared for day and night. People often stay in SNFs immediately following release from the hospital, then after several weeks or months of recuperation, are able to move into an environment with a slightly less intense level of care, such as an assisted living community.
Assisted living communities
Assisted living communities are extremely diverse in the levels of care they provide. Many people incorrectly assume that assisted living is only for people who want to permanently move in. But actually, many assisted living communities care for people who have recently had a hospital stay and require a certain level of care before returning home. These communities help with transportation to doctors’ visits, medication management, dining, and other daily tasks of living while providing companionship in a social community setting.
Understanding different levels of care for NJ seniors
UMC at Collingswood, our assisted living community in Camden County, provides customized levels of care to all of our residents. Whether they’re staying with us temporarily after hospitalization, or on a permanent basis, our associates can easily adjust care to fit their schedules and preferences.
Many older adults are delighted to find that assisted living at UMC allows them to retain their independence and continue pursuing their hobbies and interests. It also brings peace of mind to know that associates are onsite, around the clock to help them with both medical and personal needs when necessary.
For more information about Collingswood, or if you have any questions about our senior care options across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today. You could also visit our website to learn more at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/assisted-living-south-jersey/
