Dear New Carer,
I am sorry to hear about your husband’s stroke and the impact it is having on you all, but commend you for reaching out via EnableMe for support.
Discharge from hospital can bring mixed feelings. It can be a huge relief to get out of hospital, but it can be a bit daunting at the same time.
Discharge planning is about you, your husband and his treating team planning for what you will need when he leaves hospital. Starting discharge planning as early as possible is important. Good discharge planning will boost your confidence and make sure your husband is safe and able to continue his recovery at post discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. It is important to keep open communication with members of your treating team and be honest about any discharge concerns.
Your treating team may suggest transition care, depending on availability and eligibility. You can find out more about transition care here Transition Care Programme | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
If the plan is for your husband to be discharged home, you may need assistance with equipment and home modifications, or as you have suggested, this may be looking for alternative housing. You may also need community services such as home help, respite or personal care to help care for your husband. Follow up may include specialist medical appointments, as well as outpatient, home based or community rehabilitation.
I would recommend requesting a family meeting with your husband, and his treating team to discuss your concerns and what options may be available for support. It is very important for you and your husband to gain insight into what they anticipate his care needs would look like and therefore what support he will require at home, so that you can both make an informed decision about what is manageable at home.
You may find some general information about leaving the hospital on our EnableMe website here.
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.
Wishing you the best,
Jo (Strokeline).
