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Anyone had a good place (like hospital) for after care leaving t

Anyone had a good place (like hospital) for after care leaving t
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AnnieKDC 3.5 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 7:32am  
ladybeachbum :
 
One thing I thought of that made my aunt's stay easier since she was going directly from the hospital to skilled nursing- I put together an order from the closest Walgreens to have some "simple comforts" delivered to be more self reliant- diet coke, extra paper plates, napkins, plastic disposable utensils, her preference of soap, toothpaste, etc just so there was less to have to bring from home. The delivery feel is zero, if you spend $35. This made it easy for family to come up and share a meal and not have to find all those thinks since they seem to always be forgotten when getting carry out. Since her stay, I have started using Walmart delivery which i like more since are greater number of items. If the facility has a common fridge, inquire how to label your comfort stash. I used freezer labels since they withstood the cold better.
 
Although there should certainly be a nightstand, I've purchased a cheap three wheeled storage container that gets used by all the family for these moments. It rolls easily so should be considered if it would be a danger for your loved one trying to support himself in standing.
Amazon link but cheaper at Walmart. Me, I go for convience pricing at times like this! And ugly color might be even better so it stands out in your mind to bring back home. If he is mobility impaired, this makes so many things easier to have at one's fingertips.
a.co/d/5rtb0L6
 
Another idea of something to buy/pack is a battery brick for the cell phone so he isn't frustrated by having his cell out of reach, if on a charger. Be sure he puts his name on this. It would be loved if he forgot it. Many styles available but I like this as it has built in charging cords.
a.co/d/5bW89dT
 
I'm really quirky about my feet and showers away from home so I pack shower shoes. If he is less stable on his feet, some swim shoes would give some nonslip tread on the bottom of his feet. I've bought both styles on Amazon and they always go with me to hotels. I'm odd that way but it works for me.
Many styles available but definitely look for nonslip and if it has a closure like velcro for easy opening to insert foot.
www.amazon.com/LeIsf It-Quick-Dry-Barefoo t-Exercise-Accessori es/dp/B0CQC6Z1J
 
I opted to bring laundry home for my family members as a laundry basket and trash bags could be handy to schlep items back and forth. If using their laundry, find out if you need to mark clothing w name. There are laundry markers or iron on labels. Custom labels are terrific but take such a long time to pack. So, perhaps bring less favorite but comfortable clothing.
 
I can write a book on this topic. I've had four family members in skilled nursing in the last 5 years. These were the definite do's for us. Your mileage may vary on what is important...
 
Play nicely with the staff and find out about the community use microwave. As I mentioned, I shared at least one meal a say with my family members. It gave an excuse to go visit rather than "I am checking up on you..." and yummy food is a great motivational tool in my family.
 
After a family member had a stroke, I was encouraged to bring the "highest value" treats to encourage the hand to mouth feeding. What they didn't say was how many muscles were being used to get the snack into the mouth. Spooned things like Ice cream were a challenge but items like bites of brownies were good as they held together while being eaten with fingers.
 
Let me know if you need more suggestions. I'm great at spending other people's money.
 
Oh, don't forget a notepad and pen!
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AnnieKDC 3.5 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 7:36am  
Oh, just counted in in-laws,,, 6 members of my family in roughly 5 years in skilled nursing.
 
I need more family members my age! I'm the responsible one!
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AnnieKDC 3.5 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 7:43am  
Do make sure he understands that he must show daily improvement and COOPERATE with the staff. My friend's mom (a very tough cookie) typically gets discharged as quickly as possible and never wins an appeal to have stay lengthened.
 
Plan on a plan of care meeting within the first few days of arrival. You will have the ear of every dept head at one time in one room. If there is someone specific you feel is essential (ex head of dietary for food allergy discussion) ask to meet with them privately even before your husband arrives to the facility. I
I type up a list of questions, talking points and don't conclude the meeting until all needs are discussed. It is reasonable for one person to finish up while other heads of dept return to their next task but the written list is excellent to have so they know you mean business.
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AnnieKDC 3.5 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 7:52am  
Before returning home, usually around 3 says before departure, your Social Worker will ask about needed items for home- wheelchair, waljer, rails for bathroom, etc. Don't be shy in asking. This is the best time to get it to go through insurance and you aren't having to plan it all yourself.
 
Me, I used the two to three weeks away to have modifications to the home that would be a permanent solution like a ramp into the house due to a steep step, rails in showe (never ever the suction grab bars- horribly dangerous), rails for toilet in the master and removable framework for other common use toilets. I found one I really like for my guest bath- the arms lift up (like airplane seat arms) for those who don't need it and fold down for those who do. As my family is aging, I am putting some of these things in place in my own home so they are safe visiting me and I don't have to scramble. Ex: two aunts stayed here for many weeks after the hurricane.
 
I'm sure I will think of more and more than willing to share my experiences. I hope I don't seem overbearing. I just had no one teach me the ropes so I would value others sharing what they have learned over the years.
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AnnieKDC 3.5 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 8:13am  
Handicapped parking tag - short term (red) and long term (blue) can be arranged through your social worker.
 
If hubby has follow up medical appointments while still in skilled nursing, they can facilitate transportation. Unfortunately, some patience and preplanning is required but if mobility challenges are in place (like your own ankle), it is nice to have the assistance.
 
While his is still in the hospital with max care, go get your ankle checked out! You don't need to worsen your condition too! I was able to get into Dr. Stanislaw in KW with just a two day wait this past week. It was my first time to see him and my first opinion of him was a good one. Pricey since I had not met my deductible but my knee this morning says it was money well spent. I too was limping about and having a pity party but I have no time for that!
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MooMaw Online Top Forum Contributor14.9 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 8:14am  
AnnieKDC :
I am very impressed with your knowledge and advice. I can tell you have "been there done that". Where were you when I needed this kind of encouragement ☺️Thanks for your input. 😎
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West-Tex Top Forum Contributor15.5 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 8:14am  
AnnieKDC : I am very impressed with your knowledge and advice. I can tell you have "been there done that". Where were you when I needed this kind of encouragement ☺️Thanks for your input. Great input 😎
 
MooMaw :
 
Agree!
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TortieMama Top Forum Contributor1.4 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 8:16am  
TortieMama : Thank you, I will tell him. He now says he has to stay 3 more days there before moving him.
 
ladybeachbum : You sure have alot on your plate. Hang in there!
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AnnieKDC 3.5 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 8:27am  
AnnieKDC : I am very impressed with your knowledge and advice. I can tell you have "been there done that". Where were you when I needed this kind of encouragement ☺️Thanks for your input. 😎
 
MooMaw :
 
Thanks for the validation. I have certainly had my opportunities to learn and I have learned how to accept help from professionals. It just takes knowing who can do what for you.
 
But really, in the biggest picture, the lowest paid in the spectrum are the ones who bring the greatest value while in skilled nursing - the housekeeper found a much more size appropriate chair for a petite family member that made her so much more comfortable to the quick to responding and eagle eyed CNA. When having a repeat stay in the facility, I said put my family member in a room where Sandra is working. She treated my family member with such love. I still have two other CNA's occasionally text me to see how my family members are doing. It didn't hurt that I was willing to write stellar letters of recommendation when they were looking to change workplaces when they both were moving from the area. I doubt too any think to ask for that from families since most lose touch at discharge. The ongoing relationships have been great for me to ask my dumb questions and I have been able to help further their careers.
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ladybeachbum Top Forum Contributor19 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 3:18pm  
AnnieKDC :
My goodness! You are amazing! There is so much information that is so valuable. I just had a 2 minute talk to him before someone came in again. I did hear from his lady caretaker a few minutes before and she was going to "get the information!" She is very nice.
When he had his first mobility issue he bought everything needed I think. He has walkers, wheel chair, and I had a chair elevator installed at the beach house because of the stairs. Now, that thing is the bomb! I send up groceries! It even has a remote to send it down or up. The best $2500 I have spent and use Discover points for most of it.
I will be using all your ideas and you are the sweetest! When it slows down I owe you a good dinner!
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ladybeachbum Top Forum Contributor19 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 6, '25 3:29pm  
TortieMama :
My plate is always full but usually I can wave my magic wand and fix it. That wand broke I think a year ago. I run on vitamins!
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TortieMama Top Forum Contributor1.4 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 7, '25 8:05am  
TortieMama : My plate is always full but usually I can wave my magic wand and fix it. That wand broke I think a year ago. I run on vitamins!
 
ladybeachbum : Well, in some ways staying busy is good...just don't burn out.
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ladybeachbum Top Forum Contributor19 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 7, '25 10:02am  
TortieMama :
I'm actually doing less I think but stressing over the husband and business will get me.
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TortieMama Top Forum Contributor1.4 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 8, '25 9:22am  
TortieMama : I'm actually doing less I think but stressing over the husband and business will get me.
 
ladybeachbum : How is your DH doing? Did you find a place for him?
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ladybeachbum Top Forum Contributor19 yrs
~ 1 year, 4 mos ago   Jun 8, '25 10:39am  
TortieMama :
They are taking him to the place in Pearland because DH didn't want to ask to go someplace else. That means not much time to drive there after work all day trying to get caught up and his Yukon has transmission problems I just heard so the guys at work will go get it and I guess I decide where to take it. He has enough on him to do to get well. I would trade it off tomorrow but I know it wouldn't be the one he wants. The bad thing is every time I call they are doing something with him so hard to plan.
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