Ask the Home Care Expert

Tom Smith, Business Development Manager, Family & Nursing Care

Mostpeople have never heard of home care until a crisis hits. Most of the time, the need arises suddenly and throws everything out of balance. When you need home care services, and you need them now, Family & Nursing Care can help.

Since 1968, Family & Nursing Care has helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to caregivers who help older adults with activities of daily living – including bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, and more.

Q: How should older patients and their families prepare for discharge from a hospital or rehab?

A: After an inpatient stay, patients are at their weakest, can be confused, and are at a greater risk for a fall. It is essential that the right help is available at home, especially in the critical first 48 hours. Those who live alone or have an older spouse are at the greatest risk to be readmitted to the hospital and could benefit from additional help, especially immediately upon their return home.

While recovery may continue with home-based therapy, depending on coverage (Medicare and/or insurance) it may not begin right away.

Now serving the Baltimore region, Family

Family & Nursing Care’s Hospital to Home program can arrange for a dedicated caregiver to be on hand to aid the transition home. We also have a team of liaisons available to visit with patients and their families in hospitals and rehabs to help them understand their options for coverage and care at home. There are no long-term commitments required.

Q: How does Family & Nursing Care step in to help with the transition home?

A: We arrange for a caregiver to help manage tasks of daily living such as errands, medication pickup and reminders, groceries, meal preparation, bathing, dressing and support for

& Nursing Care is a leading resource for private duty home care services, providing clients and their families with access to compassionate and expertlevel caregivers to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. Ninetyeight percent of surveyed clients have said they those who may be at risk for a fall. Caregivers can also ensure the patient adheres to any special diet, practices breathing techniques and required exercises, and more.

Many caregivers have used would recommend these services to a friend or family member. their background knowledge and training to recognize “red flag” symptoms so that post-discharge issues of note can be treated at a lower level of care and help avoid readmission.

This month, Tom Smith, Business Development Manager, Family & Nursing Care, provides answers to some of the most common questions he gets asked regarding home care for a client following an inpatient stay in the hospital or rehab.

for Baltimore

For , Family & Nursing Care has helped families rest easy knowing their loved ones are in good hands. When you need home care, and you need it now, we are here to help.