When you or a loved one has to spend time in the hospital it can be a stressful event, being injured and leaving the hospital, knowing your life will change when you get home becomes emotionally chaotic. Whether you are a caregiver or someone who has to face the challenges of now living with a disability, there are ways to plan ahead a hospital discharge that will help you to put your mind at ease.
What is discharge planning?
As defined by medicare discharge planning means: a process used to decide what a patient needs for a smooth move from one level of care to another.” Only a doctor has permission to discharge someone from a hospital, but discharge planning is often handled by a nurse, social worker, or care giver. Ideally, the process of discharge planning works best when it is a team effort. A basic discharge plan should include:
- Evaluation by a doctor or medical professional
- Conversation with the patient and caregivers to discuss aftercare
- Planning for the transfer
- Determining what support or aids are needed
- Arranging for all follow ups and appointments
According to medicare, 40% of patients who are discharged from the hospital return within 30 days. This can cause added stress and pain on the patient, with proper planning many of those returning patients would have been able to stay home or in assisted living.
What do I need at home?
If you or a loved one is being discharged and returning home there are a number of Home Care Aids that may be required to assist them with their daily living for a short period of time or permanently.
- Wheel chair ramps
- Lifts
- Standing and transferring aids
- Hospital beds
- Bathroom solutions
- Safety Equipment
- Grab Bars
- Home Remodels
It is helpful to have a planning process that is well thought out and covers all the home health care aids and necessities required to live a mobile and healthy lifestyle. Our trained technicians at Freedom Mobility are knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. They can help you through your planning process and make renting, purchasing, and installing stress-free.