Tips for regaining your strength after a hospital stay
Checking into a hospital for a procedure or following a medical event can be a stressful experience. Not only are there medical concerns, Mayo Clinic reports that physical and mental decline are common side effects of a significant hospital stay. Many people become so de-conditioned after a hospital stay they are unable to stay at home and are readmitted to the hospital. Nearly one-fifth of Medicare patients are readmitted within 30 days, according to research by the National Institutes of Health.
However, there are some strategies to reduce and address the issues that arise with a hospital stay.
Before you check in
If you know you are going to have a medical procedure, ask your doctor for suggestions on how to prepare for your stay. If you are fit and healthy when you enter the hospital, you will be able to withstand the stress better. Increased exercise, healthy eating and advance planning can all help reduce the amount of decline experienced.
While in the hospital
Figure out ways to stay mentally alert and active while in the hospital. Take your laptop and surf the Internet, email friends and play challenging games. Try to be aware of the time by wearing a watch and keeping a calendar. Bring an enjoyable book and ask friends to call or visit. Don’t rely too heavily on sedation. Take medication as needed for pain but try not to overuse it. Come up with as many ways as you can to stay mentally sharp.
Get moving
As soon as your doctor gives the okay, start moving. Start slow if you need to but start as soon as possible. Work with the hospital therapist to develop a plan with specific goals and stick to it. It is estimated that you can lose 1 percent of your lean muscle mass each day you spend in bed. Spending three to five weeks immobilized can lead to a 50 percent decrease in muscle strength, according to the Institute on Aging. Lack of movement can also affect your organs, appetite, heart rate and other functions. There are many exercises that can be done sitting in a chair or lying in a bed that can ward off stiffness and move you toward recovery.
Before going home
Before you leave the hospital, have a plan in place. If you need assistive devices like a cane, be sure to secure them in advance. It may be necessary to have help with meals, dressing and other daily activities so be sure to make those arrangements. Meet with a physical and occupational therapist who can help arrange the necessary exercise programs. You may also need special equipment such as a spirometer to strengthen your lungs. It is helpful to have someone with you to hear specific instructions including medication schedules, wound care instructions and movement limitations. Following these instructions is very important for a successful recovery, so take them seriously.
Keep moving
There was a time when bed rest was considered the best way to recover, but today it has become clear that gradually increasing exercise is imperative for regaining strength. Even if you are too weak to stand, there are exercises that can be done from a chair or bed that can increase your strength and mobility.
Eat for energy
Watch your diet during recovery and choose foods that will provide needed proteins and nutrients for healing. Be sure to get enough liquids also. If you don’t have an appetite, try eating smaller more frequent meals until your appetite begins to return.
Stay connected
Instead of withdrawing from everyone, try to keep in touch with others through phone calls, texts, social media or email. Watch the news, read the paper or read a book to remain aware. If feelings of depression occur, check with your physician for assistance.
Less complicated option
Recovery can be a challenging process with many important directives that can be hard to remember. This is why many people make the decision to recover at a short-term care rehabilitation center such as Glenview Terrace where there is a supportive team of professionals providing expert therapy and medical care seven days a week, as well as meals and social interaction.
Whether you are recovering from a cardiac event or mending a broken hip, you can be sure your medications, wound care and other needs will be administered by Glenview Terrace’s attentive staff who work closely with the hospital and physicians. You will also work one-on-one with top therapists to help you quickly regain the strength, mobility and the confidence you need to return to your regular schedule. Your physical, occupational or speech therapy will take place in Glenview Terrace’s state-of-the-art rehabilitation gyms, including the main gym, which features floor to ceiling views of its tranquil fountain and patio. Compassionate staff offers the encouragement and positive reinforcement needed to move you toward your goals.
Glenview Terrace delivers this top-notch care in an elegant setting that begins with beautifully landscaped grounds and continues into the spacious, well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy nutritious meals filled with the protein and vitamins needed to enhance the healing process. There are many opportunities for interaction with others during planned activities. Guests can also choose to relax in their rooms with a stunning array of amenities and services during their stay.
When it is time for compassionate and expert care, consider Glenview Terrace where the goal is always to successfully get you back to the independent lifestyle you desire. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.