Post Rehab Care
Addiction recovery is a long and tough process. After rehabilitation, patients are not instantaneously cured. In actuality, going home following residential treatment is only the initial stage in the rehabilitation process.
By integrating the structure into their clients’ lives, residential treatment facilities like DayHab aim to disrupt addiction cycles. Residents participate in daily routines and receive periodic counseling. They are strongly encouraged to participate in group therapy and workshops. These exercises prepare the mind and body for establishing new, healthy routines during rehabilitation.
There is a significant difference between the organized environment of a rehabilitation center and ordinary life, making the transfer from a recovery program to life at home quite difficult. There are fewer limitations at home. In addition, a relapse might be triggered by a variety of factors.
After rehabilitation, the individual will require a supportive environment to prevent relapse. Family, friends, and loved ones play a significant role in this.
If you know someone returning from rehabilitation, here are a few ways to offer assistance.
Transform your home environment
There are various ways to modify your home and make it suitable for recovery, even though life at home is extremely different from life at a rehabilitation center.
Remove all traces of the addictive substance.
Observing or smelling the addictive substance might easily cause a relapse. Maintain a home free of these stressors.
Be a good influence.
You can inspire by participating in support groups, avoiding addictive substances, eating healthy, and exercising consistently.
Participate in healthy activities.
You can make time for healthful activities and encourage the individual to join you. Numerous things can reduce stress and keep you busy. You can jog, ride a bicycle, play a sport, cook, meditate, or engage in any activity that piques your interest. Perform these things jointly and consistently.
Stay positive
It is common to experience anger and frustration when caring for someone with an addiction. Do not direct your wrath at that person; it will do nothing positive. Remember that your loved one is ultimately responsible for remaining substance-free. If you find it difficult to be supportive, join DayHab’s monthly Family Support group.
Provide an alternate stress release
Relapses are common when an individual is under extreme stress. Numerous individuals who battle with addiction utilize substance abuse to cope with stress. When confronted with a stressful scenario, a recently-treated individual may revert to the same behavior.
It is hard for an individual to avoid stress completely. Therefore, the most you can do is assist them in developing appropriate coping mechanisms. It is best to perform the activity with the individual. Try meditating or practicing relaxation techniques. If maintaining a schedule is causing you stress, you might perform exercises in time management. You may go to the gym to exercise. You can engage in creative activities such as painting.
Once they have discovered a healthy technique to manage stress, encourage them to make it a habit. Getting them used to a new daily routine aids in rehabilitation tremendously.
Avoid certain individuals, objects, and locations.
Avoid people, places, and things associated with the individual’s addiction. All of these may result in a relapse. If your loved one is hooked on gambling, you should avoid casinos, playing cards, and gamblers. If your loved one is bound to drugs, avoid anyone with whom they previously shared this behavior. If it’s alcohol, avoid bars, clubs, pubs, and former drinking companions.
This can be incredibly challenging, but it is essential to healing.
Observe prudence around festivities and holidays.
Even if they are positive, events such as birthday parties and weddings can be triggers for alcoholics. Be attentive during these activities, as even a small amount of alcohol can easily lead to a relapse.
Seek help
Caring for someone who is battling addiction can be quite stressful. Don’t forget to care for yourself as well. Treat yourself occasionally and maintain your health.
You might join a support group to broaden your support network and develop healthy emotional management skills.
Consider attending family therapy with the individual you care for if you are a family member. In addition to increasing your support network, it is always best to seek expert assistance.
Don't be possessive.
It is ultimately the responsibility of the recovering individual to remain addiction-free. Remember that recovery is a process that varies from individual to individual. Try not to exert excessive control over the individual’s environment. Create the optimal atmosphere for your loved one and allow them to recuperate and grow at their speed.
Remember that the route to recovery is not smooth. There will be challenging moments. During such moments, your loved one will need your love and support the most. Do not pass judgment on a person who is being tough. It is all part of the rehabilitation process. Take each day as it comes.
Be receptive and tolerant.
Demonstrate that you are approachable and willing to listen and empathize. A person in recovery from addiction will require an attentive ear. While it is vital to recognize that you may not always have the expertise or experience to provide help on your own, it is also essential to seek the assistance of people with the appropriate training when necessary. Make sure your loved one knows you are there for them! Obtain knowledge and attempt to place yourself in their shoes. Avoid judgment. Always operate from a place of love, compassion, and acceptance instead of control and punishment.
Remember that this is their battle, not yours. Could you not engage in combat on their behalf? Instead, assist your loved one by providing them with the best opportunity to succeed.
When a loved one is in rehab care facility, you know they’re in good hands. But what happens when it’s time for them to be discharged? How can you be sure they’ll receive the follow-up care they need? Unfortunately, leaving the facility can be stressful, confusing, and rushed. Often, family members may be handed a list of instructions that may seem to be overwhelming.
Safely transitioning from rehab care to home—and getting the care your loved one’s need once you’re there—can speed their recovery, reduce the risk of readmission, and lower health care costs.
Stay In Home Care can coach you and your loved one through the discharge process, helping with decision making and facilitating access to all needed services, including arranging non-medical care at home and getting durable equipment supplies.
The First 3 Days After Hospital Discharge are Most Critical
Studies have shown that the first 72 hours returning home after being discharged from a rehab care facility are the most critical. Without the proper home care arrangements and professional recovery assistance, patients could be at risk of hospital readmission. In fact, patients between the ages of 75 and 84 accounted for 35.6% of all hospital readmissions in 2015, and research found that hospital readmissions that occur within 30 days of discharge cost Medicare approximately $17 billion.
Falls
After a hospitalization, it’s not unusual for a senior to be at an increased risk of falling. Our home care aides can help with preventing falls after hospital by:
- Assisting with transitions from bed to standing, from standing to sitting, etc.
- Helping with personal care, including showering and toileting
- Decluttering and removing fall hazards around the home
Nutrition
To enjoy a full and healthy recovery, it’s essential the patient gets the proper nutrition after hospital discharge. However, maintaining a well-balanced diet can be difficult, especially if medical conditions and/or medications prohibit certain foods or ingredients.
Stay In Home Care can help with meal planning and even prepare meals for the day or the week, paying particular attention to any dietary restrictions. Healthy meals will improve the patient’s recovery and bring the family the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re loved one is eating well.
Returning home post-hospitalization or rehabilitation can be challenging. It’s likely that a loved one will not be able to return to their daily routines immediately, and they may need follow-up care, as well.
Stay In Home Care has been providing in-home care services to help seniors recover safely and comfortably in the familiar surroundings of their own homes.
Our in-home caregivers can help:
- Understand all discharge instructions and service orders
- Schedule and monitor an in-home caregiver as needed
- Drive you or your loved one home from the hospital if requested
- Pick up prescriptions
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