I often get calls from family members about their loved ones who are being discharged from the hospital today and they’re desperate for answers, how can I care for them, what kind of help will they need, who can I talk to? A few suggestions:
First, talk to the case manager and/or discharge planner at the hospital or care facility as soon as possible. This key person should be aware of the patient’s status and what the plan of care should be once discharged.
Find out if a home health agency has been assigned to the patient, meaning: a physical therapist may come to the home to help the patient gain strength through exercise; and/or a skilled nurse may be scheduled to reassess the patient at home and track his or her progress. A home health aide may also be assigned to initially help the patient with bathing. You want to know which agency, and when to expect a call. If there is no agency assigned, find out why.
These services, when prescribed by the doctor, are often paid by Medicare or the health insurer, but are generally provided on a short-term basis only. So, find out if non-medical home care will be necessary, too. This kind of care, provided by companies like Home Instead Senior Care, is only paid by the family or by a long-term care insurance policy. The discharge planner can suggest options for you.
In addition, ask if special equipment like a hospital bed, a bedside commode, a shower chair or a walker/wheelchair will be supplied, and if so, when will they arrive? Don’t hesitate to ask for any of these items if they’re needed. Also, will the medications be changed, are there new prescriptions, and will there be an updated list of how the meds should be taken? The nurse in charge will give you these instructions. Don’t leave the hospital without getting all your questions answered.
Finally, what if you feel your loved one isn’t ready to be discharged, they’re not walking yet, they need wound care? You do have recourse. Talk to the case manager, explain why you feel this discharge is premature and make your case. If necessary, talk to the doctor for support.
For more information, call our experienced team of care managers at Home Instead Senior Care at 661-254-8701.