In my first column, I spoke of the crisis my family was faced with several years ago that inspired me to create my business and passion. I told the story of how my father’s illness changed many aspects of my family’s life. If I knew then what I know today, I would have explored the many different options available. This would have made a world of difference for our entire family because our choices would have been very different.

So, why do I say that? I say that because of what we did not do, what we did not know and what we learned the hard way. When my father fell ill with pneumonia the first time and was released from the hospital, we were given very little information to go on. We were given names, numbers, days and times of the in-home rehab specialists that would be provided for a specific length of time under my father’s medical insurance.

Ok, what else? There really was no one to talk to and assist us with preparing for what lay ahead, what to expect, what to avoid, how to keep dad safe in his home or transitioning dad out of his home and into an assisted living community. Families going through a crisis are so overwhelmed with the crisis itself that they cannot see past it; it leads them moment to moment, step by step and your entire family just wishes it were over.

Let us take a deep breath, sit back and look at the whole picture. Let’s discuss what other alternatives could have been looked at. Once your loved one is discharged from the hospital and scheduled for rehabilitation, whether in-home or in a senior rehabilitation center, be sure to discuss goals for recovery. Discuss time frames and safety issues. What additional assistance will your loved one require while recovering? Has the illness or injury affected their physical state, mental state or perhaps both? And, if so, what steps will you as a family member or caregiver’s need to address?

Here are some questions you should ask yourself:

• Are your loved one’s living conditions appropriate for recovery?

• Can they move about free of fall hazards (rugs, stairs, slippery flooring, obstacles, and lighting)?

• Do they need guidance moving about (walker, railings, a helping hand)?

• What distance can they handle before tiring?

• Are they able to prepare meals for themselves and will they receive proper nutrition and fluids?

• Are they able to manage their medications?

• Can they us the bathroom and bathe safely and properly?

• Can they dress with stability?

• Are they able to contact others if they need help and will they?

Of course the list continues as you get into more details, but these questions are a good base to start with.

While your loved one is recovering, several issues need to be discussed based on how well they rebound or if recovery is delayed for one reason or another. In any case, you should consider the options and resources that will best fit the needs of your loved one now and in the weeks and months to come.

Safety is the number one concern most families address first.

For more information or answers to your questions, please contact us at www.aseniorschoiceonline.com or call Clare at (518-424-2527).