After You Return Home from the Hospital

By Randi Morse 

After a long hospital stay, the idea of going home can be exciting and a bit terrifying as well. Most of your family and friends are going to assume that you are nothing but happy to be going home; what they don't realize is that leaving the security of the hospital, and the nursing care you've received, can be scary. If you are going to be headed home after a long hospital stay, here are a few things you can put into place to make the transition easier. 

Help at Home 

If you live with someone, a spouse or partner, be willing to let them give you as much help as you need at home. When you're at the hospital, your nurse may do everything for you, including helping you put on your socks. Don't be afraid to allow your partner to help you a great deal your first few days home as well. It can take a long time for the body to recover, and there is absolutely no shame in allowing your significant other to help you when you first arrived home. Slowly, you will start feeling stronger and more able to do all the things you normally do, but until that day, don't be afraid to ask for help. 

If you don't have help at home, you may want to arrange some, at least for a small amount of time. Friends and family may be more than willing to help you when you arrive home, but if, for some reason, you are finding it hard to find friends or family who can help you, there are professional services that are specifically designed to give help to those returning home from hospital care. 

Make Sure You Rest  

When you're at the hospital, one of the things you find yourself doing most of the time is resting and sleeping. Don't be afraid to do the same when you get home! Your body needs rest to heal, so no matter whether you've undergone surgery or are getting over a nasty infection, the more sleep you get, the easier your body can heal and the faster you'll be able to get back to normal. 

Meal Service 

One of the best things you can do to help make your transition easier is to set up a meal service. The last thing you want to do when you're recovering is get up and cook. If you live in a city where professional meal service delivery is available, set it up! If you live in the country, connect with your friends and family and kindly ask that they take turns making dinner for you and your family. Even just a week's worth of dinners can make a huge difference when it comes to your recovery. 

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Bountiful, Utah.