When a loved one is hospitalized, the uncertainty that follows can be overwhelming. Whether your parent has fallen, been diagnosed with a condition, or had a medical procedure, navigating the next steps in their care is crucial. At LivWell Seniors, we understand the challenges families face when making decisions in these stressful times, and we’re here to help guide you through the process.

In today’s blog, we’ll walk you through the steps you can take when your loved one has been hospitalized and assessing if they are still able to live independently at home. From assessing their safety to understanding insurance options, we’ll cover the resources available to ensure your loved one gets the care they need while providing peace of mind for you.

1. Assessing the Situation: Hospital Stay Length Matters

One of the first questions many families face is whether their loved one can go back home after being discharged from the hospital. In some cases, a hospital stay lasting more than three days can offer opportunities for your loved one to transition to a skilled nursing facility or rehab center where insurance may help cover their care. This typically provides a short rehabilitation period, often ranging from 14 to 21 days, to help your loved one regain strength and independence before returning home. Your insurance will make the determination on whether a skilled stay following the hospitalization is needed and if it will be a covered benefit.

If your loved one has not been in the hospital for at least three days, the discharge process may look a bit different. The hospital may determine that there’s no longer a medical reason to keep them, but now you must assess if they can safely return to their home. This is where you’ll need to ask yourself:

• Are they capable of navigating their home safely?
• Are there any home hazards, such as stairs, that could put them at risk?
• Do they need additional care at home or around-the-clock supervision?

These are all important factors in determining the next steps.

2. Home Care: A Potential Solution

For many families, the goal is to keep their loved one at home for as long as possible. However, this decision depends on several factors, including their physical abilities, living environment, and available family support. If your loved one’s home is not safe for them to navigate on their own, or if they need more care than you can provide, it may be time to consider home care services.

If you’re unable to provide care yourself, or if family members aren’t available 24/7, home care providers can offer a solution. LivWell Seniors has a network of trusted home care agencies that we can connect you to. These agencies offer various services, from basic personal care (like bathing and dressing) to more specialized medical assistance.

The key here is flexibility. Some families are able to provide intermittent care while working with a home care agency to fill in the gaps. Others may find that their loved one requires 24/7 care, which could necessitate a move to a more intensive setting.

3. When More Care is Needed: Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing?

While in-home care may be sufficient for some, others may need a higher level of care. If your loved one requires 24-hour supervision, assistance with activities of daily living, or specialized medical care, it might be time to consider an assisted living facility or even skilled nursing care.

Assisted living communities provide a range of services and care options, including personal care, meals, and social activities, while also allowing for more independence than a nursing home. On the other hand, skilled nursing facilities are designed for individuals with more complex medical needs who require around-the-clock nursing care and rehabilitation.

At LivWell, we can help you navigate these options and help you find the best fit based on your loved one’s needs, preferences, and budget. Our expertise helps us match families with local resources, whether that’s in-home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing care.

4. Making Quick Decisions During a Crisis

Sometimes, situations arise where a decision needs to be made quickly. Many families live out of town or cannot be present to oversee the situation in person. In these cases, LivWell can help make the process smoother. Recently, we worked with a family who lived out of state. While on their way back to the Quad Cities, the family reached out to LivWell for assistance.

Through conversations with the family, we were able to assess their mother’s budget, care needs, and lifestyle preferences. By the time the son arrived, we had already connected with their mother at the hospital, discussed her needs, and identified an assisted living community that would provide the care their mom needed and the lifestyle she desired. This type of support can make all the difference when you’re under pressure and need a helping hand.

5. LivWell is Here to Help 24/7

Crisis moments often happen outside of regular business hours. That’s why LivWell Seniors is available on evenings and weekends, to help guide you through the process. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected hospitalization or simply planning for your loved one’s future care needs, we’re here to provide the support and resources you need to make informed decisions.

We offer a free, compassionate service that connects families with senior living options and home care resources that best suit their loved one’s needs. Our experience in the senior care industry means we understand the urgency and emotional weight that comes with these decisions, and we’re committed to being by your side every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

When a loved one is hospitalized, making decisions about their care can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the available options. At LivWell Seniors, we make it our mission to guide families through these difficult moments with expertise and compassion. Whether your loved one needs temporary care, in-home support, or a transition to assisted living, we are here to help.

If you need assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us at 563-265-1577 or visit our website at www.livwellseniors.com.

We are here to help you make the right decision for your family—whenever you need it most.