Health New England | Health Matters | Wellness Guide 2019

Health Matters ∞ 17 It’s a good feeling when you get to go home from the hospital after an illness or surgery. So the last thing you want is to wind up right back there again. Hospitals try hard to keep that from happen- ing. They’re always working to lower rates of readmission. Doing Your Part After a hospital stay, there are steps you and your loved ones can take to help you stay healthy at home. Make sure you know about your health condition and the best ways to manage it. If you don’t understand something about your condition or your care, tell the hospital staff. Ask the doctor, nurse or hospital discharge planner for written instructions too. For ex- ample, you may need to know: • How and when to take all your medications. You may have new ones after you’ve been to the hospital. • If you should avoid any activities (like climbing stairs or heavy lifting) or eating certain foods. • How to care for your surgery site or wound. Get help at home. Ask the hospital staff what kind of care you will need while you heal. Find out, for example, if you’ll need assistance with tasks such as dressing, cooking, cleaning or refilling your prescriptions. If you have no one to help you—or if you have any concerns about managing your health condition—ask to talk to a hospital social worker. Make sure your caregiver knows what to do. Will a friend or family member help you with things such as changing your bandages or giving you shots? If so, have the hospital staff show you and your caregiver how to do these things. Go to all your doctor appointments. You may have follow-up visits with doctors after you leave the hospital. Make sure you have all the information and don’t miss them. Know when to call for help. Know which warning signs or symptoms may indicate a problem—and how to respond. For example, is there someone you should call right away? Write down the name and number of that person. Is there a medication you should take right away? Make a note of that too. Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Healthcare.gov; U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services You can print out a detailed checklist at morehealth.org/ goinghome . Leaving the Hospital? Avoid a Repeat Appearance WELLNESS ✔