Recuperating at any age from an illness, injury, or surgery can be stressful and frustrating. 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 transitional care at a rehabilitation center or in their own home. A growing body of evidence seems to indicate that in-home recovery has now become the preferred choice for many seniors and their families.

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 the senior lives alone, a discharge planner may recommend one or more of these transitional care options:

If your loved one is given the option to recover at home, you may need to do some home modifications first to ensure that their environment is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Benefits of Recuperating at Home

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

That said, older adults who choose to recover 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 positively affects 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 patients that receive their care at an inpatient facility staffed by professionals.

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

Home is where the heart is

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, like their comfy bed, cozy recliner, or favorite wardrobe items, especially while recovering.

Being familiar with their surroundings also makes it easier and safer for your loved one to get the physical activity and mental stimulation they need. The more comfortable your senior is, the more likely they are to stay motivated and committed throughout the rehabilitation process.

Saves money

All other considerations being equal, including healing outcomes and quality-of-care, recovering at home costs much less than spending the same amount of time at an inpatient facility. 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 cost saving.

How to Avoid Caregiver Stress

Although helping an aging loved one recover at home is highly rewarding, it can also be mentally and physically exhausting when you’re the primary caregiver. To avoid caregiver stress, it may become necessary for you to seek outside assistance from family members or friends. If none are available to step in, another option is to hire a professional in-home caregiver from a reputable home care agency.

Reliable In Home Transitional Care for Seniors & Families

At Family Resource Home Care, we proudly serve many communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our local caregiver teams share a commitment to enhancing their neighbors’ quality of life while supporting clients and families with personalized in-home care solutions. In addition to transitional care, our senior services include personal care, meal preparation, errands and transportation, respite care, light housekeeping, companion care, live-in care, and dementia and Alzheimer’s care.

Our highly trained caregivers can help you or your loved ones with in-home recovery while providing you with peace of mind. At Family Resource, we are here for you! To learn more about our affordable home care services now, or request a FREE consultation for a senior in our service area today, please visit Family Resource Home Care at: www.familyresourcehomecare.com.