How to Cope with Having Your Loved One in the Hospital

Caregivers in Pineville NC

One of the scariest things that you can hear as a family caregiver is that your loved one needs to go into the hospital. If that’s the case for you, try putting some of these tips into action to make the situation a little easier to handle.

Be as Prepared as Possible

You never know when your elderly loved one is going to end up in the hospital and it pays to be prepared. Keep a current and updated list of her medications handy in your purse or wallet. It should have the name of the medication, what kind of dosage the medication is in, and how often she takes the medication. If it’s taken at a particular time, include that information as well. Now, when your loved one is being admitted to the hospital, you have a list of medications with you and you don’t have to worry about remembering them while you’re worried.

Try to Be Patient

It’s really difficult to be patient when a loved one is being admitted to the hospital. You’re likely being asked for the same information over and over again and you may not know just yet what is going on with your loved one. The doctors and nurses need time to get your loved one settled and to assess her situation, and that can feel like an eternity when all you can do is wait. Do the best that you can to stay as patient as possible. Being upset or constantly trying to get more information is going to slow down the process.

Use This Time as a Form of Mild Respite

It may be difficult to think about your loved one’s visit to the hospital as respite for you, but it kind of is. Other people are caring for your elderly loved one now, so you can rest and take care of yourself for a little while. Make sure that you’re eating regular, healthy meals and that you’re getting plenty of sleep. You’re likely worried about your elderly loved one, but you can’t be ready for her to come home if you’re run down from pacing and worrying.

Make Sure You’re Prepared for Your Loved One to Come Home

Once it’s time for your loved one to come home, make sure that you’re fully prepared. Get written instructions from the medical team so that you know exactly what changes you need to make to your loved one’s care. If you need extra care once you’re home, hire senior care providers who can help out while your loved one is adjusting to being home.

It’s a scary situation when your loved one has to be admitted to the hospital but you can get through it gracefully.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Pineville, NC contact Caring at Heart today. Our staff will answer all of your questions about caring for an aging adult. Serving Charlotte, Statesville, Ballantyne, Mooresville, Huntersville, Matthews, Concord, Gastonia, Pineville and Indian Trail. CALL TODAY (704) 837-4564.