A Hospital Discharge Does Not Have to Be Overwhelming

​Reaching the point at which your loved one can return home following a hospitalization or procedure should be a relief, yet often this experience can be fraught with uncertainty. Asking yourself questions like 'are they really well enough to be discharged?', or 'how will we cope while they're unable to care for themselves?' is a completely natural reaction and can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, we have the answers.

​At Eldercare Specialists, we've built up years of first-hand expertise and understand that while each client's needs must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, the key to a stress-free and successful transition from the hospital to home or a care community is to focus not only on the needs of the patient, but also their family. With us coordinating home-care and medical services prior to their discharge from hospital, you'll be able to focus on caring for and spending relaxed, quality time with your elderly family member or friend safe in the knowledge that none of the important details have been missed. 
 
The Steps to a Creating a Successful Hospital Discharge

1. Choose an advocate.  This can be a family member, or one of our care managers.  The advocate is the bridge between hospital staff, physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and nurses to ensure everyone is on the same page and focused on your needs and preferences.
   
   
2. Begin Planning the Discharge as Early as Possible.  Planning the discharge is an on-going process that starts at admission. Meet with the discharge planner, let them know your goals and provide them with information about your loved one’s needs. This way you will get the right services ordered and set up in advance, so you are ready if there is a last minute discharge.
   
   
3. Research Services Providers to Obtain the Services you Want and Need
   • Skilled Nursing– Contact your local Ombudsmen or CANHR.org online to get information about facilities. Once you choose a facility have the discharge planner reserve a bed.
     
     
   • Homecare Services –Interview agencies, make sure they are bonded and licensed in your state. Talk to their referrals.
     
     
   • Geriatric Care Management Services – Go to https://www.aginglifecare.org for information on how to hire a care manager and list of certified care managers in your area. 
     
     
   • Home Health Services – Request an order for home health services, which includes nursing, social workers and therapists, prior to discharge since they may need up to two days’ notice.
     
     
   • Lifeline, Home Food Delivery Service and Transportation Services – Ask discharge planner for information on options and set them up early.
     
     
   • Medical Equipment – Make sure all medical equipment is ordered and delivered before discharge, if possible.
4. Arrange for all prescriptions, supplies and medical equipment to be ordered and ready prior to discharge.
   
   
5. On the day of the discharge, confirm your loved one is ready to be safely discharged.  If you disagree, contact discharge planner immediately. If you still disagree and are a Medicare Beneficiary ask for a written “Notice of Non-Coverage” and ask to appeal the discharge.
   
   
6. Make sure you obtain the information needed to manage care after the discharge. You need information on who to call if there is a status change, what symptoms and changes need monitoring, a list of future appointments, tests, procedures and service providers, and a medication list with administration guidelines.

Knowing that you have access to support, services and education to best help you manage your role as a family caregiver can be vital in ensuring that you don't feel overwhelmed or suffer burnout, and at Eldercare Specialists we're here to support you. Together, we'll put together a plan based around clear goals and strategies to best ensure the likelihood of significant improvements to your loved one's recovery from the outset, with a focus on helping to maintain their independence and maximise overall wellbeing for everyone involved.
 
Our focus is always on allowing independence to be retained and ensuring that everything is taken care of through careful planning and concise communication, so you can be assured that there'll be no need to worry about your loved one's wellbeing right now, or in years to come.