My Aging Parent is Discharged From the Hospital, What Happens Next?
Posted by in FAQ'sHospital Discharge & Home Health Care Options
Is Home Health Care Next Upon Hospital Discharge?
It is good to be leaving the hospital. It means you are getting better, and leaving a germ filled environment. Elderly patients may either be discharged home not needing care, discharged home with an order for Medicare home health care services, medical equipment and a recommendation for a private home care aide or go to rehab before returning home.
Periodically, we will be creating short articles that are based on most of the commonly asked questions when it comes to Home Health Care. We hope these articles will help you better understand the process and find the right Home Health Care Provider for you or your loved one.
The hospital discharge planner or Social Worker is usually the person making the aftercare plans for the patient’s discharge from the hospital. They will usually follow the doctor’s order. This hospital doctor may or may not be your mother or father’s primary physician. In any case, the choice of home care whether Medicare home health or a private health care agency/company is that of the senior themselves. It is patient choice which dictates the home health care provider.
If you or your aging parent has had home care before and like their homecare provider they should tell the discharge planner. Usually the patient or family member will rely on the doctor’s opinion.
If your parent or elderly relative is already working with a home care service and like their aide let the D/C planner know the company’s name. Otherwise, you are likely to get a new agency.
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What is the process when a person is released from the hospital but they have mobility, stability issues that could be dealt with by a simple renovation project? Who does the assessment? Does someone specialized in this area get called in? Are Certified Aging In Place Specialists considered in these types of situations?
Thanks in advance for your response.
Carla
Yes, many mobility/balance safety issues can be addressed by a simple home safety evaluation. A Physical Therapist, Registered Nurse, Geriatric Care Manager can do this. Also the disciplines you mentioned can come in assess the situation and put together a plan. If it is merely adding safety bars in the shower there are many companies that can do this. If you require fuller renovations, like a ramp or lowered sink, etc. it is best to call in an expert such as a certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). We work often with Jill Poser who is licensed and insured. She can do the simplest addition to a full renovation. Her number is: 954-604-1015.
Make sure whomever you choose is licensed and insured.
Thank you for your question. Please give me a call if you need further information. 877-706-0785.