When you're ready to leave the hospital, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all of the arrangements to make and things to remember.
Well, there are lots of people ... family, friends, home care providers ...
who want to help you ... but they may not know what you need.
They may not know what to do.
You can help yourself and them by making a plan for when you leave the hospital.
Like ... what you might need to be comfortable at home ...
help with following your doctor's instructions ...
and who you can call when you need help.
Let's hear how others have handled it.
"So ... before Judy came home, I thought about what I could do to make things easier ...
like taking the big chair out of our bedroom so there's room for her walker.
It took me 5 minutes ... and now Judy doesn't have to worry about getting around."
"We have set times, at 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., when I make a quick call to make sure she's okay.
I know it gives Jen peace of mind, but it gives me peace of mind too.
If there's a problem, I can be next door right away."
"Before Bob came home, I spent some time on the phone and online to see what services were covered.
Knowing what to expect made us both feel better."
"I worked with my nurse to figure out who I need to call in case of an emergency.
We wrote all the phone numbers down and I gave the list to my son too.
He's going to put those numbers into my phone for me."
So ... remember, you don't have to do everything on your own.
There are people in your life who really can help once you leave the hospital.
And having that help ... well, it's going to help you rest.
And getting more rest helps you focus on getting better.
So think about who to ask for help ...
and make a plan before you leave the hospital.
