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Plan for a faster recovery2017-09-20T21:52:35+00:00

Plan for a faster recovery

Did you know?

There are 3 important things you can do for a faster recovery?

  1. Eat well
  2. Move regularly to help circulation
  3. Stay interested in things that you enjoy

1. Eat well

  • Do you have a poor appetite?
  • Are you eating less than usual?
  • Are you losing weight without trying?
  • Are you having trouble chewing or swallowing?

Have you lost weight without trying? Ask staff to organise for you to speak with a dietitian.

Are you eating enough to recover? Ask staff to organise for you to speak with a dietitian if you are unsure.

Please tell the nutrition assistant or another member of your healthcare team so we can help you.

Please tell the nutrition assistant or another member of your healthcare team so we can help you.

Try to:

  • Eat small meals often
  • Select snacks between meals
  • Clean your teeth regularly

Talk to your nurse, dietetic assistant or dietitian if nausea persists and you are struggling to eat or drink.

Please let the nutrition assistant know when ordering your menu selections as we have alternative choices available.

Eating regular meals is essential for your recovery.

If you are not fasting and don’t receive a meal, please let the foodservice staff member or nurse know so that other food options can be organised. If the food offered in hospital is not what you are used to because of cultural, religious or personal preferences, please talk to your dietitian to discuss food options from home. Your family can also be involved in these discussions.

2. Moving regularly helps keep your blood flowing and is good for your health

Keep moving by regularly:

  • Changing your position in bed.
  • Sitting out of bed, especially to eat your meals whenever possible.
  • Walking (please be sure to have adequate assistance and your mobility aid if you use one).

Ask your nurse or a staff member for assistance, and don’t forget to use any equipment you need.

If you prefer your family to help you, please ask a staff member to talk to your family about how they can safely do this.

Tips to help you stay on your feet

We can help you be safe and stay on your feet.  Here are some simple steps to reduce our chance of a fall.

Watch the video

Have you been for some walks today?

Talk to a member of your healthcare team if you are unsure whether you can go for a short walk. If you need assistance, we are here to help.

Try to sit out of bed and move as much as possible for a faster recovery.  You can even do some exercise in bed by moving your legs and feet.

If you need to wear glasses or hearing aids, make sure you use these. Ask your family to bring in some comfortable clothes and well-fitting shoes.

Let staff know if your clothes or bedding are damp so that we can change them.

3. Stay engaged in things that interest you

  • Have a chat, read or play a game
  • Keeping your mind active is important for your recovery
  • Ask for family to visit or if a volunteer could come to have a chat

Are you getting adequate sleep overnight? Talk to your nurse or doctor if you are struggling to get enough sleep.

Being in pain slows down your recovery, can hinder mobility and can affect your mood so speak with your nurse and doctor if this affects you!

Feedback

Tell us how we can improve our services and your experience.

Speak with the ward staff or the nurse in charge. If you would like to complete our online feedback form.

Give feedback