Page 31 - BARMC Guide 2017 MOBILE

Has your doctor prescribed
a MEDICAL DEVICE or EQUIPMENT for you to use at home? Ask your healthcare professional to TEACH you how to use them and also SHOW you how they work.
Some medical devices can be di cult to use, so ASK UNTIL YOU KNOW!
B4 You Go!
Repeating what you hear, IN YOUR OWN WORDS allows your nurse or doctor to check that you understand instructions!
Have your healthcare professional EXPLAIN AGAIN, then they should CHECK AGAIN, to be sure you understand everything about your care!
Until
You
Don't just listen to what they said, REPEAT IT BACK to them, instead!
Know!
Ask them to explain words you don’t know.
BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU HEAR.
Returning Home
The rst few days out
of the hospital are important for your recovery. Be sure
to rest often.
• Listen to your body
and don’t rush. If you are tiring quickly, stop to rest.
• Be sure a family member or friend will call or stop by to check on you.
• Placeyourphoneand emergency phone numbers within easy reach.
• Controlling your
pain will be important
to your ongoing healing process. Take medicines
as prescribed by your physician and use non- medical treatments, such as positioning, splinting, resting, listening to music, etc. Use the handy Medicine Minder on pg. 13 to make notes about your medicines.
• It may be a long process, but be patient, follow your care plan, and you will recover!
Suicidal Thoughts
• Suicidal thoughts are TEMPORARY. Suicide is permannt. Don’t give in to suicidal thoughts—you can overcome them. If you are in need of IMMEDIATE crisis services, please call (713) 970-7000.
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BEFORE YOU GO!