Discharge Planning
After a hospital stay, plans upon being discharged involve careful consideration of the patient’s medical issues and development of a plan of care for that patient’s return home. This critical area is part of discharge planning. It arranges the logistics so that the patient can recover safely in the comfort of their own home.
Discharge planners are usually hospital social workers that work with the patient and their family to determine how to make the transition from the hospital to the home as smooth as possible.
Transitioning your loved one from the hospital to home can be a scary time. There is a lot to plan for and consider. This is especially the true for patients with diminished capacities, even temporarily. A discharge planner will help smooth this transition and get your loved one back home safely again.
Developing A Plan
They do the following:
- They discuss plans for discharge with the patient and/or their family. These are based on the recommendations of medical professionals treating the patient. The social worker may also visit several times toward the end of the hospital stay in order to ensure the discharge plan is appropriate.
- They assess the needs of the patient and make necessary referrals. Discharge planners ensure he/she will have access to any medical treatment that may be needed after returning home. Social workers also arrange for in-home nursing, in-home therapies, and/or necessary medical equipment delivered straight to your home.
- They provide information about resources within the community as well as any contact information for any state or federal resources you may need to assist the patient.
- They may possibly contact insurance companies in order to ensure coverage and may also assist with finding alternate payment options for anything not covered.
David York Agency Can Help
Once home, a qualified compassionate caregiver from the David York Agency can provide the extra in-home assistance the patient’s needs. For more information about David York Agency’s home health care services, contact us at 908.373.5300. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best. Our aim is to provide you and your loved one with the care they need. From geriatric social work to advice on how to deal with a diagnosis, David York Agency can help.
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