Returning home from a care home is a big step that can bring about mixed emotions and challenges for both the individual and their family. Whether your loved one is transitioning from short-term respite care or coming back permanently, the move requires careful planning and thoughtful preparation to ensure it’s a smooth and positive experience.
This transition can be particularly important for those with medical or mobility needs, as their living environment needs to be adapted for safety, comfort and continued care.
In this guide, we’ll offer advice on how to manage the process of returning from a care home, with key steps for ensuring your loved one’s well-being and making their homecoming as comfortable as possible.
How to plan leaving a care home and returning home
One of the most important elements of returning from a care home is ensuring that the home environment is safe, accessible and tailored to meet the individual’s current needs. Depending on the duration of their stay at the care home, your loved one may have developed new needs or lifestyle changes that require adjustments at home.
By preparing the living space thoughtfully, you can ensure they feel comfortable, secure and supported as they transition back into their familiar surroundings.
Assessing the home environment
Begin by carefully evaluating the layout and accessibility of the home. Older homes may have areas that pose risks, such as narrow doorways, stairs or uneven flooring, which can be a challenge for individuals with limited mobility or balance issues.
To create a dementia friendly home environment you can:
- Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs, clutter or furniture that may obstruct walkways.
- Improve lighting in areas that may be poorly lit, such as hallways or staircases. Bright, even lighting can help reduce confusion and increase visibility, preventing accidents.
- Install grab bars in bathrooms and along staircases to provide support and stability. A non-slip mat in the shower can also prevent falls.
- Ensure easy access to key areas like the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom by removing barriers or ensuring that furniture is arranged for clear passage.
Setting up a care area
Creating a dedicated space for your loved one to rest, relax and receive care is vital for their well-being. A designated care area should be an organised, quiet space where they can feel comfortable and at ease.
- Comfortable furniture is essential for rest. Consider a bed that provides easy access, adjustable features, and sufficient support.
- Easy-to-reach storage for daily necessities, such as medications, clothing and personal items, can help your loved one feel more independent and organised.
- Medical supplies should be easily accessible. This includes any assistive devices, such as oxygen tanks, mobility aids or specialised equipment, as well as a first-aid kit in case of emergencies.
Make sure this care area is a familiar and inviting space, incorporating familiar objects, such as photos, soft furnishings or personal belongings, which will help create a sense of comfort and stability.
Accessibility modifications
If your loved one has mobility concerns or requires additional assistance, it may be necessary to modify the home environment further.
Common adjustments to improve accessibility and ease of movement include:
- Widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility devices.
- Installing ramps or stairlifts to allow easier access to different levels of the home, particularly if the home has stairs.
- Provide space for mobility aids, such as walkers, canes or wheelchairs, so your loved one has freedom of movement without feeling confined to one area.
- Reorganising furniture so that pathways are clear and your loved one can navigate comfortably.
These modifications help ensure that the home is a safe environment that accommodates all of your loved one’s physical and health-related needs.
Creating a care plan for returning home
Once the home environment is prepared, it’s time to develop a care plan that outlines the ongoing support your loved one will need. This plan should be personalised based on their health, abilities and lifestyle, as well as any changes that may have occurred during their time in the care home. A comprehensive care plan can make the transition back home smoother and ensure that your loved one continues to receive the care they require in a familiar environment.
This can be especially useful if you’re exploring finding a short-term care solution to support the transition home.
Assessing healthcare Needs
Your loved one may have developed new medical conditions or experienced changes in their health while in the care home, so it’s important to reassess their healthcare needs before they return home. This might include ongoing medical treatments, medication management, and appointments with healthcare professionals. To ensure their health is monitored appropriately, consider:
- Medication management: Ensure your loved one’s medications are organised and easily accessible. Create a schedule for administering medication and check that they understand their prescriptions. If necessary, enlist the help of a caregiver or family member to ensure the routine is followed.
- Medical appointments: Schedule follow-up visits with their healthcare team, including general practitioners, specialists, or physical therapists, to monitor their recovery or ongoing health needs. It might be helpful to keep a calendar or reminder system to ensure appointments are not missed.
- In-home support: Depending on their medical condition, your loved one may need additional assistance at home, such as help with personal care, bathing, or mobility. A trained caregiver can provide these services to ensure your loved one’s comfort and well-being.
Personal care and assistance
Consider the level of personal care your loved one needs to maintain their dignity and independence. Some individuals may require help with daily tasks, while others may need more extensive support.
This can include assistance with:
- Bathing and grooming: Depending on their mobility and ability, your loved one may need help with bathing, brushing their teeth or getting dressed. Consider whether modifications, such as a shower chair or grab bars, will make these tasks easier for them.
- Eating and drinking: If your loved one has difficulty with feeding themselves or drinking, caregivers can assist with meal preparation, feeding and ensuring hydration.
- Personal Hygiene and toileting: Some individuals may need help with toileting, so providing accessible facilities and aids, such as raised toilet seats or grab bars, can improve their comfort and safety.
- Dressing and mobility: If your loved one requires assistance with getting dressed or moving around, be sure to assess their mobility aids, such as walkers, wheelchairs or canes, to ensure they can move safely and comfortably in their home.
Emotional and social support
Adjusting to life at home after time in a care home can have emotional challenges, and your loved one may feel isolated or anxious. Providing emotional support, companionship and opportunities for social engagement are key aspects of ensuring their well-being.
To address emotional needs:
- Create a support system: Stay in regular contact with your loved one to offer support and reassurance. Encourage family members and friends to visit and provide social interaction.
- Mental stimulation: Encourage activities that stimulate the mind, such as reading, puzzles, games or hobbies that your loved one enjoys. Keeping them engaged in meaningful activities can help improve their quality of life and reduce feelings of isolation or depression.
- Familiar comforts: Surround your loved one with familiar items, such as family photos, personal belongings and comforting objects, to make them feel secure and at home.
- Encourage independence: While providing necessary care, it’s also important to encourage your loved one to maintain as much independence as possible. This may involve setting up routines that allow them to complete some tasks on their own, boosting their confidence and sense of accomplishment.
Regular reviews and adjustments
As your loved one settles back into their home environment, it’s important to review their care plan regularly and make any necessary adjustments. Health conditions can change and new needs may arise, so remaining flexible is essential. Regular check-ins with their healthcare team, caregivers and family members can help identify any areas where additional support is needed.
- Re-evaluating care needs: It’s important to periodically assess whether your loved one’s care needs are being met. If their health deteriorates or they experience challenges with mobility or daily tasks, consider additional modifications or the introduction of more support services.
- Feedback and communication: Open communication is essential for ensuring that everyone involved in your loved one’s care is on the same page. Discussing their needs, lifestyle and any concerns that arise will help everyone adapt to changing circumstances.
- Involving your loved one in decisions: Whenever possible, involve your loved one in decisions about their care and routine. This empowers them to feel more in control of their life and can improve their emotional well-being.
How Country Cousins can help
If you decide that live-in care is the most appropriate form of care for you or your loved one, your first step should be to contact an introductory live-in care service such as Country Cousins. At Country Cousins, we offer a variety of different types of care at home services, depending on your individual health and care needs.
With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable carer to support your loved one in line with their lifestyle and wishes. For more information on selecting live-in care for you or your elderly loved one, check out our guide to live-in care.
Talk to our team today
If you require live in home care services for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706 should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm & Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
