Recuperating at any age from an illness, injury, or surgery puts a lot of stress on the body. For those aged 65+ a prolonged recovery process is typically the norm rather than the exception. Before leaving the hospital, a senior may be given the option of receiving their transitional care at a rehabilitation center versus at home. A growing body of evidence would seem to indicate that recovering at home might be the better choice for that special senior in your life.

Transitional Care Options for Seniors

Events leading up to the healing period will strongly influence where the rehabilitation takes place. Depending on factors like the home environment and if a senior lives alone, a discharge planner may recommend one or more of these transitional care options:

If your loved one is allowed to recover at home, it may be necessary to do some home modifications first to ensure that their environment is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Benefits of Home Recovery

The main advantage of recovering in a professional setting is the convenience of having trained staff available. Those who can handle your loved one’s specific needs along with any emergencies.

That said, seniors recovering in a home environment typically enjoy these benefits as a result:

Positive mental outlook

When a senior is surrounded by loved ones in a familiar, comfortable environment it has a positive effect on their mental health. Studies indicate that patients who recover in a suitable home setting following a knee or hip replacement surgery have no greater risk of developing postoperative complications than do patients that receive their care at an inpatient facility staffed by professionals.

Having a positive outlook will help motivate your loved one to stick with their recovery program and achieve their goals. Encouragement from friends and family can be a powerful motivator on days when your senior’s willpower supply needs replenishing.

More cost-effective

All other considerations being equal, including healing outcomes and quality-of-care, recovering at home costs much less. Once again using postoperative knee and hip replacement patients as an example, the average savings for an at-home recovery versus an inpatient facility is over $10,000. When your loved one’s retirement nest egg weighs in the balance, that’s a significant difference.

All the conveniences of home

The adage “there’s no place like home” certainly rings true when your loved one is on the mend. There’s nothing quite like having all the conveniences of home close by. They have their comfy bed, cozy recliner, favorite wardrobe items, and so on.

Being familiar with their surroundings also makes it easier and safer for your loved one to get the physical activity and mental stimulation that’s needed. The more comfortable your loved one is, the more likely they are to stay motivated and committed throughout recovery.

How to Avoid Caregiver Stress

Although helping a loved one recovering at home is highly rewarding, it can also be mentally and physically exhausting. In order to avoid caregiver stress, it may become necessary for you to take a break. If no family members or friends are available to step in, you can also hire a professional in-home caregiver from a reputable home care agency.

An Extended Family in Your Loved One’s Home

When it’s time to take a well-deserved break from your caregiving duties contact the professionals from First In Care. At FIC, we are a fully licensed home care provider with a full menu of services that promote independent lifestyles. In addition to respite care, our highly trained in-home caregivers support activities of daily living through various services. Services like personal care, light housekeeping, companionship care, dementia care, and even live-in and 24-hour care.

While serving as an extended family in the home, First In Care’s compassionate professionals use a unique approach. One that’s designed to maintain your senior’s quality of life, independence, and dignity. To learn more now about our flexible plans and hourly rates, or to schedule an initial consultation for a senior in Manatee County, FL, today, please visit us at www.firstincare.com!