Congratulations - You are home!
Our goal is for you to stay home as long and safe as possible. We loved watching you get better but don’t want to see you in the hospital again. Instead, come to one of our monthly walks with the rehab team.
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This is easier said than done for some people. Ensure you understand all instructions given by healthcare providers before leaving the hospital by repeating back to your healthcare provider what they tell you. Ask questions about your medications, follow-up appointments, dietary restrictions, and any specific care needs.
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Take medications exactly as prescribed. Use pill organizers or reminders to avoid missing doses. Understand potential side effects and what to do if they occur.
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Attend all follow-up appointments with your primary care physician or specialists as scheduled. These visits are crucial for monitoring your health and addressing any concerns before they escalate.
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity (as recommended by your healthcare provider), avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
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Continue a home exercise program.
Stay Moving!
We like to say, "use it or lose it". Focus on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercises as tolerated. Aim for consistency in the exercise routine, ideally incorporating exercises on most days of the week. We cannot hammer home how important it is to maintain our muscle mass.
Reduced muscle mass, also has a fancy name, sarcopenia, and it is associated with various adverse health outcomes, including an increased risk of hospitalization among older adults. We need to keep our muscles moving and make sure we are intaking enough protein. Several factors contribute to this correlation:
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Decreased muscle mass can lead to functional decline, affecting an individual's ability to perform daily activities independently. This decline in functional ability can result in accidents, injuries, or health issues that may necessitate hospitalization.
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Older adults with reduced muscle mass often have compromised immune systems and decreased physiological reserves. This vulnerability can make them more susceptible to infections, chronic diseases, and other health conditions that may require hospitalization.
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Muscle mass is a component of frailty, which encompasses a state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Frail individuals are at higher risk of experiencing health crises that may lead to hospital admissions.
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Reduced muscle mass is associated with impaired balance and mobility, increasing the risk of falls. Falls are a common cause of injuries requiring hospitalization among the elderly.
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Stay Connected.
We know technology is changing at lightning speed and can be intimidating. Technology can help you stay connected with family, friends, and the broader community.If you are leaving our rehab you will have the option to attend one of our technology classes.
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Devices such as smartphones and tablets are versatile tools that allow seniors to make video calls, send messages, browse the internet, access social media, and use various apps. You can use larger-screen smartphones or tablets with simplified interfaces for ease of use.
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Apps like Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, or WhatsApp allow elderly individuals to have face-to-face conversations with loved ones. These apps are user-friendly and can connect individuals regardless of geographical distance.
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Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter can help seniors stay connected with family and friends, share updates, photos, and communicate through messaging.
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Voice-activated assistants like Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Home, or Apple HomePod can help older adults with various tasks, such as setting reminders, making phone calls, playing music, and accessing information, simply by using voice commands. Cameras set up in the house can allow loved ones to check on you from a distance.
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Wearable devices like smartwatches or health trackers can help monitor vital signs, physical activity, and send alerts to caregivers or family members in case of emergencies.
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There are numerous online platforms offering courses on various topics. Seniors can engage in lifelong learning, explore hobbies, or enhance their skills using platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Khan Academy.
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Telehealth platforms enable seniors to connect with healthcare providers remotely, making it easier to receive medical advice, consultations, or routine check-ups from the comfort of their homes.
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What activities bring you joy? Playing music, spending time with friends and family, reading a book. In search of purpose and joy, we would like you to mentor one of our discharging families.
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