After a long hospital or recovery-center stay, you’re probably anxious to get back to the comfort of your home. But before you load up the car and make a pit stop to grab your favorite dinner on the way home, ask your doctor these questions to get the information you need to make your at-home recovery a success.
What changes in my recovery should I watch out for? What should I do if I notice those changes?
Leaving the hospital or recovery center can be scary. You’re no longer under the guidance of trained professionals and managing your post-operative or recovery care is now in your or loved one’s hands.
Ask your physician what signs you should watch out for that could mean your recovery is jeopardized — whether it’s swelling at the incision site, nausea, vomiting or dizziness, etc. Knowing which signs to watch out for can help you make quick decisions and return to the hospital to mitigate any complications before they become major problems.
Do you recommend any dietary restrictions or nutritional requirements?
Has your care team had you on a regimented or restrictive diet during your hospital stay? While hospital food isn’t exactly the tastiest meal you’ll ever have, there is something to be said about not having to prepare or cook meals for yourself!
Ask your physician if there are foods you should avoid once you return home — whether it’s watching your carbs, avoiding salt, or increasing your water intake. If you are on restrictions that need to continue, ask for informational pamphlets and meal plans, or to speak with a nutritionist to help you maintain your diet.
Do I need any at-home medical equipment?
Being in a recovery center or hospital means you have all the tools you need to help you while you recover post-surgery or injury. Whether it’s a walker to help you get to and from the bathroom or disposable underpads for use in bed, knowing upfront which supplies you might need at home will give you time to see if your insurance will cover all or some of the cost.
Plus, if your at-home medical equipment includes using a nebulizer or giving yourself injections, you can practice in the hospital under the guidance of a nurse to help build your confidence before you go home.
Do I need any follow-up appointments?
Find out when and how soon your physician would like to see you after you are discharged from the hospital or recovery center. Having these appointments scheduled early (and on your calendar) will allow you to arrange a ride or request time off work, making you feel more prepared and aware of your recovery timeline.
Which activities should I refrain from during my recovery?
While all the above questions are important, this question might be the most important to discuss with your physician or care team before being discharged. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can undo steps you made during your stay and prolong your recovery time.
Ask your team if there are everyday household tasks and chores you should avoid: laundry, cleaning, reaching, climbing stairs, driving, etc. Having this knowledge can help protect you physically while also giving you time to find professional homecare assistance or make further arrangements like purchasing a stairlift.
Home Stairlifts
Even with a home care assistant or rearranged furniture, having a bedroom or bath on the upper levels of the home can be problematic for someone with limited mobility.
But it’s not always realistic to stay with a relative, in a long-term facility, or move to a new home. Stairlifts are an affordable and convenient solution for those who want to maintain their independence and autonomy.
Right Now Mobility offers fast installation of reliable, quality stairlifts in Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky. We are certified aging-in-place specialists with the National Homebuilders Association and have a 5-star review rating on Google so when we say fast, we mean it. In most cases, your stairlift will be installed and functional the next business day.
We take pride in being Ohio’s top-rated authority for mobility solutions, and currently offer stairlifts, ramps, and walk-in tubs in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana areas. Call or text 888-381-5820 for your free consultation with a friendly member of our team to discuss your needs and learn more about our mobility solutions. To stay up-to-date about mobility healthcare, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn!
Source of content: https://www.rightnowmobility.com/5-questions-to-ask-your-doctor-about-your-at-home-recovery/
