Your mom was in the hospital and learned she’s experiencing malnutrition. Her medical team wants to get her to make the right food choices to avoid rehospitalization and improve her health. They recommend post-hospital care services.

Post-Hospital Care Scotch Plains NJ-Learn More About the Benefits of Post-Hospital Care for Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a problem in adults, especially older adults where it can lead to disability, hospitalization, and medical problems. One in ten older adults does not eat enough, which is known as undernutrition. When a person eats too much, it’s another type of malnutrition. People may eat too much of certain items and get more nutrients than is necessary or even safe. Over-nutrition is tied to health issues arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Around 33% of older adults experience this type of malnutrition.

What should your family expect?

She May Have a Feeding Tube

If your mom was malnourished and underweight, her doctors may have her use a feeding tube to ensure she’s getting enough calories and nutrients. A home health care nurse can help with the feedings she needs at home. Nurses can also check and clean feeding tubes to ensure there are no clogs or other problems.

Nurses Can Administer IV Medications and Infusions at Your Mom’s Home

Depending on your mom’s situation, she might be on antibiotics to beat an infection caused by a weakened immune system. If her blood tests found her potassium, sodium, iron, or other minerals were low, she may be on IV fluids or getting iron infusions to correct them.

When your mom is on the right path, she may no longer need these infusions and medications. Her nurse can remove the IV line and work with her doctor to adjust medications and nutritional supplements without your mom needing to return to the hospital.

Post-Hospital Are Aides Can Teach Her How to Make Appropriate Meals

If your mom has diabetes, her doctors may recommend having a dietitian come to your mom’s house to teach her what she should and shouldn’t eat. She may need to learn how to portion her meals properly and how to make nutritionally-balanced meals.

Make sure you’re part of those sessions. If you’re going to be cooking for your mom, you and post-hospital care providers need to be available to learn the same things your mom is learning.

She Needs to Follow Her Doctor’s Orders

After she’s released from the hospital, your mom needs to do what her doctor recommends going forward. If she needs to take vitamin supplements, make sure she does. If she is supposed to exercise more, get her up and active.

It may help to have her work with a physical therapist if her post-hospital care plan is to gain strength and lose weight through exercise. A physical therapist helps her build muscle, balance, and stamina.

Always start with a conversation with your mom’s medical team. Find out what she needs to do and ask how post-hospital care can help her meet those goals.

Sources: https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/nutrition/basic-facts#

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Post-Hospital Care Services in Scotch Plains NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

A 2020 study released in JAMA estimates that more than 2.4 million surgeries were performed in the U.S. Common surgeries included hip, knee, and femur repairs or replacements. Your mom’s going in for surgery. How can you and her home care providers help her prepare for the return home?

Talk to the Surgeon

Home Care Union County NJ – Home Care: Tips for Helping Your Mom Prepare for Surgery

Start by asking the surgeon what steps are taken during the surgery. If she is under general anesthesia, her recovery may differ from someone whose surgery involves local anesthesia.

Once your mom is sedated using IV medications, a breathing tube may be inserted with general anesthesia. For a few days after the surgery, her throat may feel sore and scratchy. She’ll want plenty of cold beverages to help soothe it.

Get the House Arranged for Her Return

Whether she’s undergoing outpatient surgery or will be staying over for a night or two, your mom’s home needs to be prepared for her return. She’ll want a seat that’s supportive and easy to get in and out of.

A recliner that takes force to close before standing up isn’t a good option. Instead, get an armchair and have pillows nearby to support her back. A hassock is helpful if she wants to put her feet up. If she undergoes abdominal surgery, have a pillow she can hold against her belly. It’s necessary if she needs to cough, sneeze, or keep any pets from getting too close to the incisions.

How Home Care Aides Help

Ask if she’s supposed to avoid activity or if some level of activity is allowed. Her surgeon may recommend that she goes for slow walks several times a day to stretch her muscles and work out her joints. She may need to stay seated, meaning someone needs to get her medications, cook meals, do the laundry, and top up beverages.

Whether engaging in some activities or resting, your mom needs home care aides to clean her home, cook meals, and make sure she’s eating and drinking. Her aides can support her as she gets in and out of the shower. Plus, they’re available to help her go for slow walks around the yard or neighborhood.

If your mom is prescribed pain medications, she’s not going to be allowed to drive. Even if she only uses acetaminophen and ibuprofen to relieve pain, the pain may prevent her from driving. She needs transportation to and from any follow-up appointments. Home care aides can escort her to and from appointments, too.

Sources: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768237

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Care Services in Union County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.