Coming home from the hospital is usually a relief. But what happens when your mom or dad returns home and seems much weaker or more tired than before?
Maybe Mom used to walk to the kitchen without help. Now she needs to rest halfway there. Perhaps Dad was independent before his hospital stay but now struggles to get out of bed or take a shower.
These changes can be concerning, especially when families are unsure what is normal during recovery.
Why Does This Happen?
After an illness, surgery, or hospital stay, older adults may experience weakness, fatigue, poor appetite, and difficulty with everyday activities.
Spending several days in bed or moving less than usual can affect muscle strength and endurance. Illness, medications, poor sleep, dehydration, and other medical problems may also contribute.
Some fatigue is common during recovery, but new, severe, or worsening symptoms should not automatically be considered normal.
Five Things Families Can Watch For
1. Difficulty getting out of bed or a chair
Does your loved one suddenly need help standing up? This may indicate a change in strength or mobility that deserves attention.
2. Walking less than before
Someone who previously walked around the house independently may now need a walker or another person's assistance.
3. Sleeping much more than usual
Rest is important during recovery. However, unusual sleepiness, difficulty staying awake, or a sudden change in alertness should be discussed promptly with a healthcare provider.
4. Eating or drinking less
Poor appetite or inadequate fluid intake can interfere with recovery. Ask the healthcare provider about appropriate nutrition and hydration, particularly if your loved one has heart or kidney disease.
5. Needing more help with everyday activities
Bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, or moving safely around the home may become more difficult after hospitalization.
What Can Families Do?
Start by reviewing the hospital discharge instructions. Make sure medications, follow-up appointments, activity restrictions, and warning signs are clearly understood.
Help your loved one follow the activity recommendations provided by their healthcare team. Keep frequently used items nearby and make sure walking paths are clear.
Most importantly, contact the healthcare provider if weakness, fatigue, or mobility problems are new, persistent, or worsening.
Seek emergency care for symptoms such as chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, sudden one-sided weakness, or difficulty waking the person.
Could Home Health Care Help?
For some older adults, recovery at home may require professional support.
A home health physical therapist may help address weakness, walking difficulties, balance problems, and safe transfers.
A skilled home health nurse may assess health changes, provide medication education, monitor medical conditions, and help patients and families understand their care plan.
Medicare may cover home health services for eligible beneficiaries when the required conditions are met, including a qualifying skilled need, homebound status, and an appropriate provider-ordered plan of care. Coverage is not guaranteed.
Recovery Takes Time, but You Do Not Have to Guess
If your loved one is having difficulty returning to everyday activities after hospitalization, talk with their healthcare provider about the changes you are seeing.
Project Health Corp is a Medicare-certified, CHAP-accredited home health agency serving Northern Virginia.
We provide skilled nursing and physical therapy services to eligible patients in the comfort of their homes.
Questions about home health care?
Call 703-899-4109 or visit www.projecthealth.us.
Project Health Corp — Helping older adults stay safe, strong, and independent at home.