After the Hospital, Be Prepared

You never know when an emergency hospitalization might happen. Even when it's an elective procedure, discharge planning and home care are usually part of the process. It's nice to be optimistic about how quickly you or your loved one will recover, but it's smart to plan for contingencies. A family discharge plan helps everyone understand the patient's condition, which med- ications to administer, and the type of care he or she will need.

Here are some additional steps in the planning process. Establish who will be the primary family caregiver and how flexible he or she will be. Make sure the patient knows the details and is comfortable with the arrangements. Next, learn what insurances (if any) will cover costs and what needs to be paid out-of-pocket.

Lastly, ensure the primary caregiver has time off and remains healthy by assigning a backup caregiver, either another relative or close friend. You may also consider a home care agency that can sustain the intense level of caregiving that is required for a safe and faster recovery. Read more about hospital discharge planning at http://www.tiny.cc/7qd6u

Dear Katy - How will I know what type of care to plan for when my husband comes home from the hospital?  L.O., Oakland, CA.

Dear L.O. - Many people will arrange a meeting with a social worker or case manager prior to a discharge from a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The meeting will explain the process and the specific type of care that is required. Services may include home nursing, help with medical equipment, therapy, supervision or assistance with daily living. The detailed information will then be shared with a home care agency, if one is needed, when the agency develops a detailed plan of care.

Dear Katy- Is there a test to find out if Dad's memory problems are Alzheimer's? A.C., Mesquite, NV

Dear A.C. - According to the Alzheimer's Association, the steps to diagnose should include:
   1. Finding the right doctor
   2. Understanding the problem
   3. Reviewing medical history
   4. Mental status tests
   5. Physical exam and diagnostic tests
   6. Neurological exam
   7. Brain imaging
To learn more about the steps, visit www.alz.org.

 (Submit your questions to kdougherty@professionalhc.com. Follow her on twitter.)

Discharge Planning FAQ

Plan Ahead: Below are a few questions you should ask your doctor before leaving the hospital:

1.   Will I need skilled nursing or therapy services?
2.    When will I be able to resume normal activities?
3.    Will I need someone to stay with me throughout the day?
4.    Will my insurance pay for my aftercare needs?
5.   How many follow-up appointments are needed?
6.   What are the prescribed medications and how often do I 
      need to take them?

Vol. 3, No. 4

Hospital Discharge Guide for Families

Discharge Checklist

Medicare Rights and Protection

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