When a loved one is admitted to the hospital, we assume that the hospital has the patient's best interests in mind, and we depend on the hospital staff to provide the best care and advice possible.
What you may not know is that on that first day your mother was admitted to the hospital, planning has already begun for her discharge.
Hospitals are under tremendous pressure to reduce length of stay, keep costs down, collect data and be efficient, and while we would like to believe that the discharge planning team is putting the needs of our loved one front and center, often it is the patient who is neglected when revolving door policies are the priority.
Here are
7 things you can do while your mother is in the hospital to ensure that she does not get lost in the shuffle:
1.
Make the connection: Find out the name and contact information for your mother's discharge planner (usually a nurse).
2.
Get involved: Tell that person that you want to be involved in deciding what will happen when it is time for your mother to leave the hospital.
3.
Define service needs: If your mother will be returning home, know what services might be needed. Unless your parents are part of a senior total health plan, you can choose which Medicare certified home care agency you want to provide follow-up care.
4.
Plan ahead: If your mother only needs non-medical care, such as homemaking help and bathing, you will need to arrange for this on your own.
5.
Investigate the options: If the hospital wants to discharge your mother to a rehabilitation facility, you will have little time or information to know how to determine which facility will be best for her. Start looking into options now.
6.
Know your rights
: If you are concerned about the discharge date, you have the right to appeal and request a longer hospital stay.
7.
Hire an Elder Care Manager:
JFS Elder Care Managers understand the discharge process and are available to help make sure that your mother gets the care and services she needs when she leaves the hospital.
Whether you need help communicating with hospital staff, negotiating planning meetings, researching care facilities, advocating for services or managing an appeals process, JFS Elder Care Managers have the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that your mother is safe and supported as she continues her journey to recovery.
When a loved one is admitted to the hospital, the clock starts ticking. If you or a loved one needs help preparing for hospital discharge, JFS can help.
Let JFS Elder Care Solutions help you make sure that your parents have the easiest transition possible when it comes time to leave the hospital.
Call JFS Elder Care Solutions Today
800-655-9553
