Hospital to Home Transitions

Peace of Mind Transitioning from Hospital to Home

It is important to focus on the physical, psychological and spiritual foundations that an aging adult possesses to successfully recover when transitioning from hospital to home. Preparing for the physical element is crucial to providing safety and peace of mind once the front door to their home is opened. Home adaptations will certainly equip a house and personal support from a caregiver will assist the discharged patient with their changing lifestyle needs. The Home Independence Program for Senior’s is a service that provides such needed assistance. Once safety has been developed in the home, understanding the psychological demands will provide a basis for controlling ones emotional stresses. An aging adult must take control over their body and its ailments instead of the reverse. To accomplish this, it takes a positive attitude and a determined will to provide strength for a full recovery of an illness or accident. To cement the physical and psychological stressors, the senior’s spiritual foundation plays a role in a positive transition from hospital to home. Although some may argue they have done well in life without a faith, I would respond that faith is compatible with inner peace and provides that much needed rest during a time of pain and suffering. What is unique for each patient returning home from their hospital stay is their ability and response time to recover from their medical condition. Once the safety net of professionals is reduced dramatically when a senior leaves the hospital, they are ultimately left with the people who love them, others who care, and learned or innate abilities to live longer, safer and independent.

Debra Munro
Elder Planning Counselor