Discharge Planning
Discharge planning is a process that determines the kind of care your loved one will need after leaving the hospital or another care facility. This process helps ensure a patient’s transition to another medical facility or back to home is as safe and smooth as possible. Ideally, and especially for more complicated medical conditions, discharge planning is done with a team approach.
PLANNING & SUPPORT
For the Next Level of Care or a Transition to Home
Transitioning from a stay in a skilled nursing facility can be an intimidating event for patients and their families. Everything about this transition is critical to the health and well-being of the person you care for. Studies have found that improvements in discharge planning can dramatically improve the outcome for patients as they move to the next level of care. Every patient is different, but a discharge plan will always include the following:
- Complete evaluation of the patient by qualified personnel.
- Discussion of future care with the patient and/or their care representative.
- Reconciling medications – a thorough review of prescriptions, to be certain there are no duplications, omissions, harmful side effects, or drug interactions.
- Logistics planning for homecoming or transfer to another care facility.
- Determining the need for caregiver training or additional support.
- Referral to a home care agency and/or appropriate support organizations.
- Arranging of follow-up appointments or tests if necessary.
- Ensuring you have the name and email address of your go-to person for care questions, as well as a phone number where you can get help 24 hours a day, including weekends.
Planning discussions will cover everything from the types of care that will be required and medical equipment needs, to diet and meal planning or medication administration.
Discharge Planning & Follow Up Care
A thoughtfully developed plan aids recovery, ensures medications are prescribed and given correctly, and adequately prepares you to take over your friend or family member’s care – all of which contribute to care that reduces the chance of readmission.
Quality Life Service take our discharge planning an extra step, we make your follow up doctor’s appointment for you. Your physician will receive the most updated clinical information regarding your stay with us prior to your follow up visit and we'll reach out to your home health provider to ensure they have visited. Our team will continue touching base with you as you recover and adjust to life at home, with routine wellness calls and checkins. We're here for you each step of the way!
Speak to a professional QLS care coordinator today!
Don't Stop Dreamin'
Don’t Stop Dreamin’ has been fulfilling dreams for residents and patients of Quality Life Services and Three Rivers Hospice since 2005. The mission of Don’t Stop Dreamin’ is to:
- Create everlasting memories
- Enrich the lives of residents, patients, and families too
- Bring joy and happiness through fulfilling once-in-a-lifetime dreams!
