Navigating Short-Term Home Care: How COHME Supports Recovery at Home

When life throws a curveball—like an unexpected surgery, injury, or sudden illness—returning home can feel both comforting and overwhelming. Tasks that once felt routine may suddenly become challenging. That’s where short-term home care steps in, offering a bridge between hospital discharge and full independence.

At COHME (Concerned Home Managers for the Elderly), we understand that recovery is not just about physical healing but also about emotional well-being and regaining confidence. Our short-term care services are designed to provide personalized support during these transitional periods, so you or your loved one can focus on healing in the comfort of home.

Why You Might Need Short-Term Care

Short-term home care isn’t just for people recovering from major surgery. It’s for anyone who could use a helping hand for a little while. Here are some common situations where short-term care can make a real difference:

• Post-surgical recovery: After procedures like joint replacements, abdominal surgeries, or heart-related interventions, patients often need extra support while regaining strength and mobility.

• Hospital discharge support: The period right after being discharged from the hospital can be delicate. Short-term care helps reduce the risk of re-hospitalization by offering proper follow-up, medication reminders, and mobility assistance.

• Injury rehabilitation: Whether it’s a fall, fracture, or sprain, injuries can make daily activities difficult. Having help at home means you can focus on healing without compromising safety.

• Illness recovery: After serious illness or COVID-related fatigue, even small tasks can feel exhausting. Temporary care can fill in the gaps while energy and health return.

• Caregiver respite: Family caregivers sometimes need a break to rest, travel, or handle personal responsibilities. Short-term care allows loved ones to step away without worry.

If you’re unsure whether short-term care is the right fit, COHME offers free in-home consultations to help assess your situation and recommend the best path forward.

What Is Short-Term Home Care?

Short-term home care is a temporary support system tailored for individuals recovering from surgeries, injuries, or other health-related events. Unlike long-term care, which addresses ongoing health needs, short-term care focuses on helping clients regain their independence and return to their daily routines.

At COHME, our short-term care services are flexible and responsive. We require a minimum two-week commitment, with at least 12 hours of care per week. This structure allows us to provide meaningful support without overwhelming the client or their family.

Personalized Care Plans

Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why COHME emphasizes personalized care plans. Our licensed social workers conduct in-home evaluations to assess the living situation, medical conditions, and specific needs of each client. Collaborating closely with families, we create care plans that align with recovery goals and daily routines.

Skilled and Compassionate Caregivers

Our certified home health aides are trained to assist with daily activities such as:

• Dressing and grooming

• Meal preparation and feeding

• Mobility support

• Transportation to appointments

But beyond tasks, they also offer companionship—a key part of healing at home.

The COHME Difference

As a nonprofit, COHME focuses on client well-being, not profit. Every short-term care client benefits from:

• Free access to a licensed social worker

• Ongoing caregiver training and supervision

• Thoughtful caregiver-client matching

Short-term home care offers more than just physical assistance—it provides a sense of stability, dignity, and peace of mind during times of transition. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or simply need a temporary helping hand, COHME’s short-term care services are designed to help you heal safely and confidently in the place that feels most like you: home.

Call COHME at (212) 514-7147 or visit www.cohme.org to learn more and schedule a consultation.