Article Series Wheelchairs & Transport Chairs
Coming Home from the hospital
Coming Home from the Hospital
Spending time at the hospital can be a trying experience. Whether it’s for a routine procedure, a serious surgery, emergency care, or otherwise, being prepared for the discharge process and adjusting back to home life is a key part of recovery.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this guideline to help you make the journey home safely, help you find any equipment you may need, and understand some of the major considerations.
The Hospital Discharge Process
Following your treatment, you will go through a process called hospital discharge. This will happen when you leave the hospital either to go home, or travel to another medical facility.
During the discharge process, you will discuss with your medical team how to transition successfully out of the hospital’s care. You will likely discuss the following:
- What medical equipment you will need, and how to get it.
- Your medical condition at the time of discharge.
- What kinds of follow-up care you will need, such as physical therapy.
- What medications you need to take, including why, when, and how to take them, and possible side effects.
- Instructions on food and drink, exercise, and activities to avoid.
- Phone numbers to call if you have a question or problems.
- Instructions about when you should call.
- Days and times of your follow-up appointments, or information about how to make appointments.
Be sure to write this information down carefully, and if possible, have a loved one or caregiver present as an extra set of eyes and ears.
Staying Healthy at Home
Planning how you will adjust to life at home will help alleviate some of the stress of recovery and assist with keeping you safe from common injuries following hospital stays. There are many factors people fail to consider, often because they are focused on getting home as quickly as possible.
Here are some safety concerns to consider when coming home from the hospital.
- Maintaining your mobility
While everyone’s level of mobility may be different, it’s important to maintain the mobility you have after coming home. This can be by having the equipment and products you need, staying active with exercises, following your physiotherapy program, and more. Explore a variety of service and products to rent or own at wellwise.ca.
- Having the right equipment
The ‘right’ equipment will be different for everyone. Luckily, we offer a wide range of products to own or rent that can help you stay safe and mobile during your recovery. These include wheelchairs and transport chairs, rollators and walkers, canes, and more.
- Preventing falls
In Canada, 80% of injury hospitalizations are the result of falls. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your home is as safe as possible – and try to prevent these accidents before they occur.
We offer a variety of in-home products and services designed to help make your home feel safe and comfortable.
- Building your strength
You should follow the recovery planned outlined by your healthcare professionals. If that includes exercise to help build or maintain your strength, finding the right fitness equipment can be daunting. That’s why we carry a wide range of products that are suited to your unique needs.
- Keeping in touch
One of the most important parts of feeling safe and comfortable at home is knowing you can quickly contact your caretaker or loved ones at a moment’s notice. That’s why it’s recommended that you equip your home with back-up communication systems over and above your home or cell phone.
- Resting well
Sleep is important for both body and mind, and a key part of any recovery is getting consistent, high-quality rest. To help with this, we carry sleep aids, home comfort products, and CPAP equipment to help you rest easy throughout your recovery, and beyond
Wheelchairs & Transport Chairs
Having a wheelchair or transport chair is required for many recovering patients after leaving the hospital, but knowing the right kind of chair to get, how long you will need it, and where to find the right solution can be a major challenge.
- Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are self-propelled and are often used for longer periods than transport chairs.
- Transport chairs
Transport chairs are designed for shorter trips here and there, and pushed by someone providing assistance.
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Have questions about the difference between wheelchairs and transport chairs, read our guide by clicking the link below.
Wheelchair and Transport Chair Rentals
Whether you’re recovering from surgery or an injury, need a temporary solution while your chair is under repair, or just prefer the flexibility of renting, we offer a variety of rental agreements to keep you mobile, safe, and comfortable.
Rental Pricing Guide
- Standard Wheelchair
$90 per 28-day period
Standard wheelchairs have a narrower seat and are meant for general needs.
- Bariatric Wheelchair
$95 per 28-day period
Bariatric wheelchairs generally have a wider seat and are designed to be more comfortable and easier to use.
- Transport Chair
$70 per 28-day period
Transport chairs have smaller wheels are meant to be assisted, rather than self-propelled.