For patients recovering from major surgery and a prolonged hospital stay, going home is an important milestone. However, returning home does not necessarily mean they have fully recovered. Wound care, catheter care and rebuilding physical strength may still require ongoing professional support.

Mrs Wong (name changed), a woman in her 70s with liver cancer, underwent surgery to remove part of her liver and spent a month in a private hospital before being discharged home. Although she was finally able to return home, she was still extremely weak and needed a walking frame just to stand. Her surgical wound had not fully healed, she had a pressure sore over her sacrum, and she still had an indwelling urinary catheter.

For her 80-year-old husband, Mr Wong, and their domestic helper, caring for Mrs Wong at home was a considerable challenge. She needed help with everyday activities, while wound dressing and catheter care required professional nursing skills. The family needed a way to ensure that her care needs were properly met while allowing her to recover in the comfort of her own home.

Preparing for a Smooth Transition from Hospital to Home

Given Mrs Wong’s condition and the family’s concerns, a YDCare nurse manager visited her in the hospital two days before discharge to carry out a pre-discharge nursing assessment.

The assessment covered her clinical records, surgical wound and pressure sore. The nurse manager also reviewed the home environment with the family, including the available space and access routes, to better understand the practical care needs once Mrs Wong returned home.

After discharge, a registered nurse (RN) provided one-to-one care at home around the clock. Daily nursing care included sterile wound dressing, pressure sore management, catheter care and monitoring of vital signs, helping the team keep track of her condition throughout her recovery.

With a professional nurse taking care of these clinical needs, the family no longer had to manage unfamiliar nursing procedures on their own. They could focus more on supporting Mrs Wong as she adjusted to life at home.

Recovery Is About More Than Healing Wounds

Alongside wound and catheter care, Mrs Wong also needed time to regain her strength and mobility. Following major surgery and an extended hospital stay, she was physically weak and initially needed a walking frame to stand.

To support her rehabilitation, YDCare arranged weekly home visits by a physiotherapist, who guided her through lower-limb strengthening and balance exercises. Nursing care and rehabilitation continued side by side, allowing Mrs Wong to work towards regaining her mobility while her surgical wound was being treated.

Recovery takes time, especially after major surgery. Being able to stand and move around the home again can be an important step forward. For Mrs Wong, her familiar home environment became the place where she gradually worked towards returning to everyday life.

Understanding Insurance Coverage to Ease the Cost of Care

As home care continued, the cost of ongoing support was another consideration for Mr Wong. After reviewing Mrs Wong’s insurance policy, the nurse manager advised him to check with the insurer about the benefits available for home nursing care.

It was confirmed that her policy covered eligible home nursing expenses incurred within 120 days of hospital discharge. To help with the claim, the care team assisted the family in organising the medical reports, nursing records and official receipts required for submission. The claim was subsequently approved, helping to ease the family’s financial burden.

Insurance coverage and claim requirements vary between policies. Families are advised to check the relevant terms and required documents with their insurer before arranging services.

Regaining Independence, One Step at a Time

After several months of nursing care and rehabilitation, Mrs Wong’s surgical wound and pressure sore had healed. Her urinary catheter was also removed, and she was able to walk independently around the home again.

Discharge from hospital does not mark the end of care. For patients who still need wound management, catheter care or rehabilitation, arranging appropriate home care early can help bridge the gap between hospital treatment and recovery at home. It also gives family members greater peace of mind as they support their loved one through this period.

If your family member is preparing for discharge or needs professional nursing care at home, YDCare provides home nursing and rehabilitation support tailored to each patient’s needs. From pre-discharge nursing assessments and care planning to ongoing follow-up after returning home, our team helps patients receive appropriate care in familiar surroundings.

Contact YDCare to find out how we can support your family member’s recovery at home.

Read more:

How to Use Medical Insurance for Private Nursing: Coverage and Claim Preparation

A Father’s HPN Journey: The Final Companionship at Home