There will be a certain amount of stress and you will need patience while you wait for notification of being released from the hospital.
In My Case: I had to wait for an MRI scan to satisfy the doctor in charge that my brain bleed was in a satisfactory condition to agree to release me home. Unfortunately, I faced a number of delays which changed my mood from happiness and enthusiasm to the depths of utter disappointment and frustration.
PREPARATION FOR RELEASE
While Family and friends wait for the patient to be released, there are a number of things to take into account in preparation for the patient’s homecoming. Please take note of some of the following points:
PAPERWORK / DOCUMENTATION: Ensure that you have a check list to register the patient to cut through any “Red Tape” with Government help for invalidation of benefit, home assistance, physiotherapy aid, tax relief etc. All this can be started while you wait for the final release documentation from the hospital.
TRANSPORT: This may be difficult to organise due to certain restrictions of the patient’s condition to travel, however, the hospital should usually offer an ambulance to transport the patient to your home.
In My Case: We had a few other passengers to drop-off, so it may be a lengthy journey for some people. I know that I must have driven Colin insane with the umpteen phone calls to update him of every stage of my trip home.
WELCOME HOME ARRANGEMENTS: Please take into account the patient’s condition. I’m sure that family and friends will be very keen to arrange a celebration, however, please take into account if this will be an appropriate thing to do. Advice: A delayed get-together may be more preferable for the patient to enjoy when they will be more physically and mentally capable.
EQUIPMENT: Depending on the patient’s condition and needs, it may be necessary to arrange for special equipment for your home use. These can usually be acquired through a local medical supply company.
In My Case: It was necessary for Colin to arrange a copy hospital type bed to be installed in our lounge area. Although I thought that a wheel chair and stroller was being rather ambitious, they proved to be very helpful eventually. However, I was not very amused by his purchase of a commode though!
PATIENT HOME HELP: If a patient is unable to attend regular physio therapy sessions or clinics, it might be advisable to look into some form of a local carer and cleaner to help you at home. No point of everything being dealt with by the spouse or family – life has to continue for them, while the patient is being helped towards recovery.
In My Case: For the first few months I was not able to move and it was difficult for Colin to arrange the day to day running of the house while he struggled to cope with the medical, business and personal side of our life. We were very lucky for our friend, Della, to help us out.
PATIENT DIET: Follow the medical advice regarding what a patient is allowed to eat and drink and their medication.
In My Case: I was on a strict liquid only regime until I was able to eventually have solid food. That was pretty frustrating when I had to watch Colin and family enjoying delicious and appealing items while I had a vegetable soup.
PATIENCE WITH THE PATIENT: I am sure it will be difficult for both patient and carer to adapt to the new circumstances in lifestyle. Depending on the patient’s condition, they may be irritated, frustrated, humiliated and angry about their lack of independence. This will be understandable and may sometimes test your patience while spouse, family and home helper are trying to make the patient’s life more comfortable.
In My Case: I’m ashamed to admit that I did succumb to certain “Black” periods in my life. Fortunately I was able to appreciate the encouragement, support and love of Colin, family and friends during my recovery. Although the saying is, “out of sight, out of mind” – I was never allowed to feel “alone”. Although I had many physical restrictions during my recovery, I gradually learned to feel valued and productive again while I tried to claim my life back.
EXERCISES: Again, this is something that is dependent on the patient and advice for rehabilitation. You will probably be worried if a patient may push themselves too hard – no harm in monitoring them, but let them try while they are under supervision.
In My Case: I was very much home-bound, so had to rely and follow our own regime at home or close by outside. I definitely had to be “bullied” into exercises but joking around, setting personal goals and having a bit of fun really helped. The words, “No, Linda, you can’t”, were like a red rag for me. Of course I fell over several times, ending with an “I told you so” after many bad bruises. However, I considered them as my badges of honour. On the other hand, whenever I slightly improved, I got a “Nobody likes a Show Off” comment once in a while. May sound cruel but I actually laughed and was even more determined to continue.