The sun was already dipping below the horizon as Martha studied her father.
A few days after being discharged from the hospital, his furrowed brow painted a picture of discomfort. Her gut wrenched with uncertainty – was it a normal part of recovery, or was it a red flag signaling the need to return to the hospital?
As a caregiver, deciding when your loved one should return to the hospital after discharge can feel like navigating a minefield. It’s challenging and unsettling, and more often than not, you might feel ill-equipped to make such vital decisions.
So, how do you really know if seniors need to return to the hospital?
Here are four key indicators to consider. Each is accompanied by a case study, shedding light on the reality of these situations.
Image by dima_goroziya from Pixabay
Regular Communication with the Doctor
Case in point, consider Martha’s situation. She had observed her father’s continued discomfort, noting his furrowed brow and the creases of unease marking his face.
Rather than rushing to conclusions, she connected with his healthcare provider. She called his doctor, communicating her worries and seeking guidance.
In situations rife with doubt, reaching out to medical experts can offer both resolution and, sometimes, peace of mind.
As it turned out, her father was experiencing the early symptoms of a stroke. This medical condition could easily be mistaken for mere discomfort. The doctor’s advice facilitated early intervention, possibly saving her father’s life.
Recognizing Alarming Symptoms
Consider the example of James. His mother, fresh from her hospital stay, began to exhibit symptoms – trouble catching breath, intense chest aches, and unexplained confusion.
He was aware these were distressing signs, not typical indications of recovery. Relying on his discernment, he promptly escorted her back to the hospital, forestalling potential health crises.
His mother was later diagnosed with postoperative sepsis, a severe complication characterized by these symptoms that can follow surgical procedures.
Feeling Worse than When They Entered the Hospital
Ella’s situation revolved around her grandmother.
Having been released from the hospital post-surgery, her grandmother insisted she felt more unwell than before her admission.
Even though she seemed physically improved, her continued distress was troubling. Ella took no chances, appreciating her grandmother’s personal health perception, and quickly secured additional medical care.
Her grandmother was eventually diagnosed with a postoperative pulmonary embolism. This condition can sometimes follow surgery and is characterized by discomfort, shortness of breath, and an overall feeling of ill health.
Feeling Something is Seriously Wrong
Lastly, take the case of Andrew. His father experienced a sense of “looming calamity” – a nondescript but overpowering hunch that something was amiss, even without any noticeable alarming symptoms.
Andrew heeded this gut feeling, recognizing that, at times, our instinct apprehends what our sight fails to perceive.
Prompt intervention ensured his father obtained immediate medical attention for a covert but grave complication, a silent myocardial infarction, where a heart attack occurs with minimal or no symptoms.
Each story offers a peek into the myriad experiences of caregivers worldwide.
Yet, in every scenario, the common thread is trust – trust in the medical practitioners, trust in their judgment, and above all, trust in the intuition and feelings of their senior loved ones.
However, despite these guiding signs, there is no cookie-cutter answer. Each case is as unique as the individuals involved.
Some symptoms may seem terrifying but are a normal part of recovery. In contrast, others may seem benign but could indicate a looming crisis. Sometimes, a seemingly trivial symptom could evolve into an emergency, while an alarming sign could dissipate on its own.
At this juncture, you might expect a clear resolution. But like the characters in our stories, you, too, are navigating an individual path where decisions are not always black and white.
While these tips will equip you to make informed decisions, the responsibility and the challenge to decipher the signals lie uniquely in your hands.
When there’s doubt gnawing at you, reach out to healthcare professionals. Consider them your allies, your collaborative force in steering this ship of care.
Image by Daniel Reche from Pixabay
You’re Doing a Great Job
So in closing, you’re not supposed to have all the answers. Nobody expects you to.
And guess what? That’s okay. Because the most important thing is that you care. That you’re there and you’re doing your best.
That’s all anyone can ask for. And frankly, that’s all your senior loved one wants from you – to know you’re there, looking out for them, ready to take action when needed.
So the next time you’re sitting there, wondering whether it’s time to take your senior loved one back to the hospital, just remember this:
You’re more capable than you think. Trust your judgment. Listen to your intuition. Ask for help when you need it. And above all, remember – you’re doing a great job.
Oh, and what about that last lingering doubt? The “what if it’s nothing” worry?
Well, my friend, there’s only one way to find out. 
