Upon being discharged from the hospital, many patients believe that the toughest part of their recovery is behind them. However, in reality, it usually means the beginning of a new routine in a person’s health care – one that involves more organization, effort, and awareness. A patient’s discharge from the hospital is a critical transition point in the “continuum of care” and is often cited as the ultimate reason for hospital readmission.
The patient and the family members actually have a lot of control over how well the transition period from hospital to home or skilled care facility can go, and they can decrease the chance for difficulties after leaving the hospital.
Tips for a more successful transition experience are:
- If someone else will be involved with your care after you leave the hospital, he or she should be present at the time of discharge to hear instructions and ask questions.
- Ask to work with the hospital’s discharge planner. Every hospital has one.
- Be certain that you understand all of the instructions given to you. If you are not sure, ask the doctor, discharge planner, or nurse for further explanation.
- Pick up all medications prescribed to you and take them according to the prescription.
- Learn how to properly change bandages and clean wounds, if necessary.
- If you need durable medical equipment or home health care, work with the discharge planner or social worker to make arrangements.
- Make sure your primary care physician receives a copy of the discharge summary and all test results from the hospital. Again, the discharge planner can help arrange this.
- Be sure you leave the hospital with full written instructions about your condition, medications, dietary restrictions, recommended activity and rest levels, which symptoms you should expect, what to do if you feel worse after you leave, follow up doctor visits and tests, etc.
Medicare offers patients and caregivers a useful guide to be used at the time of discharge called “Your Discharge Planning Checklist.” A PDF version of the list can be found at: http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11376.pdf.
The next time you or a loved one faces a stay at the hospital, make sure that when you exit the hospital, you have all the information you need to succeed in your new care plan. The care plan may be short-term or long-term, but arming yourself with information about your condition, enlisting the right kinds of support, and committing to your own health care plan will help decrease your chances for a hospital readmission and increase your opportunities for better and faster recovery.
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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