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•Th e IF P• H al to n H ill s • Th ur sd ay , A pr il 3, 2 01 4 22 SENIORS LIVING An alarmingly high number of patients are readmitted to hospi- tal soon after being discharged, and it is a growing concern for older adults and their families. According to the Canadian In- stitute for Health Information, 1 in 12 patients is re-admitted to hospital within 30 days of being discharged. Home Instead Senior Care is launching Returning Home, a public education program to help families prepare for a loved one's homecoming and avoid a return to the hospital. The program in- cludes resources, strategies and educational videos to help fami- lies navigate a loved one's return home. A guidebook, called Return- ing Home: A Guide to Your Se- nior Loved One's Safe Transition Home in Canada, has also been developed and is available free of charge by contacting Home In- stead Senior Care at 905-847-8433 or www.returninghome.com. It includes questions to ask a medical professional before dis- charge, checklists to ensure a safe home environment, and warning signs to watch for within the first 30 days of being home. Common conditions with a high occurrence of rehospitali- sation include heart attack, con- gestive heart failure, pneumonia, diabetes, comorbidity (multiple conditions), and arthritis. "Families can become ex- tremely overwhelmed when a loved one is transitioning from a hospital stay to home," says Scott Johnson, of Home Instead Senior Care in Halton Region. "These challenges can be a mat- ter of logistics - such as the time of discharge, whether their loved one is prepared to leave the hos- pital, understanding medication and other health-related require- ments, and the next steps of their recovery plan. It can be very con- fusing and there can easily be a breakdown in communication." Joan, who lives in Halton, is all too familiar with the issues fami- lies face having experienced the challenges of transitioning home. Joan, who is in her early 80s and lives alone, was sent home from the hospital four days after hav- ing a significantly intrusive sur- gery. "I remember feeling panicked and as if the room was closing in on me when the nurse told me I'd be going home," says Joan. "I knew I would have difficulty with simple things like preparing my meals and walking to the wash- room. I wasn't ready to be alone and I was scared." Home Instead Senior Care has prepared important recommen- dations for family caregivers to consider before a loved one's dis- charge, which include: • Determine who will pick- up your loved one and get them settled in at home, and whether a special mode of transportation is required. Consider length of travel, parking, stairs, etc. • Select a family representa- tive to complete the forms re- quired before leaving the hospital • Prepare the home to accom- modate a safe return - assistive devices, needs and resources • Understand the next steps in recovery - follow-up appointment(s), rehab, who to contact in case of a relapse • Make sure you know how and when new medication(s) should be taken • Understand the care require- ments for your loved one to re- cover at home safely • Determine who will be the primary family caregiver. Who will be the back-up caregiver? "It is important that families are aware of the post-discharge care options available in order to make a well-informed decision that will help ensure a loved one's successful recovery," adds John- son. "An older adult can benefit from a third party advocate who knows the details of their health condition and medications, and can act as a second set of ears or ask for clarification as required." Home Instead Senior Care can support the needs of a senior, and his/her family, with discharge co- ordination and execution, medi- cation management, nutrition management, assistance with fol- low up appointments and moni- toring for potential warning signs. Home Instead Senior Care launches Returning Home education campaign Mountainview Residence This 81 suite Retirement Residence offers home-cooked meals, daily housekeeping, laundry services, nursing staff and planned social activities. For more information or to enjoy a personal tour - simply call 905-877-1800. www.mountainviewterrace.ca www.mountainviewresidence.ca Mountainview Terrace Owned & operated by the Summer family Situated on a beautifully landscaped 5.6 acre property at 222 Mountainview Rd. N., Georgetown 60 apartment style suites for cognitive self-sufficient seniors. Included in monthly fee: Weekly housekeeping, lunch & dinner, activities. Please call for a tour 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Accredited by: R.R. 2, Guelph 519-856-4622 www.edenhousecarehome.ca Creating confident smiles since 1982. 18 Church Street, Georgetown (Across from the Library and Cultural Centre) (905) 877-2359 www.georgetowndentureclinic.ca Alexander Trenton DD, F.C.A.D. (A) Denturist 130 Mill Street East, Acton Full & Partial Dentures Implant Retained Dentures Precision Dentures (BPS® Certified) Same Day Service for Repairs & Relines Dental Lab On Site No Referrals Needed 519-853-0079 Specializing in Alzheimer's Clientele "ToTally Secured environmenT" Fox Run is a country estate located on four scenic acres overlooking the Caledon Hills, and close to the quaint village of Erin, Ontario. Fox Run caters exclusively to individuals in early to mid states of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. We offer a non-institutional alternative for those who can no longer live alone and need around the clock attention. Contact Patricia Kelly (Owner/Administrator) at 519-833-1033 RR2, Erin, Ontario A Home A way From Hom e April is Stress Awareness Month Stress and Seniors April is Stress Awareness Month, designed to promote public aware- ness of what stress is, what causes it to occur and what can be done about it. It's a month long focus on the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies and the myths that are prevalent in our society. While everyone experiences some levels of stress, for seniors, stress has the potential to be overwhelming. Along with contributing factors such as the loss of spouse or friends, living alone can increase the sense of isolation. The effects of stress can sometimes exacerbate health conditions from which some seniors suffer, causing additional worry. So, how can you tell if your older loved one is showing signs of suffering from stress?