.webp)
After a loved one's hospital stay, many family caregivers find themselves in a whole new world. But armed with knowledge, you can become an advocate for your loved one's health. Ahead, how to confidently navigate the post-discharge journey and keep your loved one healthy and happy at home.
Hospital discharge planning helps your loved one smoothly transition out of the hospital. Hospital discharge planners help you create a roadmap outlining the level of care your loved one will need after leaving the hospital, addressing their medical needs and any required services. Discharge planning reduces unnecessary hospital readmissions and keeps your loved one healthy and happy at home.
The discharge process isn't just paperwork—it's an important step for a successful recovery.
Hospital discharge planning ensures a smooth transition from hospital to home or other care settings, maintaining consistent and coordinated care for the patient.
A well-organized discharge plan helps prevent complications and misunderstandings, significantly reducing the risk of the patient returning to the hospital unnecessarily.
A clear discharge plan gives patients and families confidence and reduces anxiety, allowing them to understand better and manage post-hospital care.
Effective discharge planning ensures that healthcare resources are used efficiently by placing patients in the appropriate health care settings, minimizing unnecessary hospital stays and costs.
The discharge planning process starts when your family member's doctor says it's time to leave the hospital.
The team assesses your loved one's physical and cognitive health, including their strength, mobility, and ability to manage daily tasks like bathing and dressing. The nursing staff also checks their emotional well-being and any support available after discharge.
Based on their assessment, the team will decide the best level of care and create a discharge plan. They will consider whether your loved one needs assistance at home, if their home is accessible, if they need medical equipment or a hospital bed, or if they need to go to a rehabilitation center or nursing home.
Your loved one's plan should include:
Discharge planners or social workers can also connect you with community resources such as home healthcare agencies, support groups, or transportation services. These resources help your loved one receive the quality of care they need after discharge.
After a loved one is discharged from the hospital, family members often take the lead in coordinating care to support their loved ones. Family caregivers understand their loved one's needs more intimately than a rotating team of healthcare providers. By staying involved, they can help prevent complications, reduce stress for the patient, and improve the chances of a successful recovery at home.
Studies have shown that patients who receive family-centered care at home tend to have fewer hospital readmissions, better recovery rates, and lower overall healthcare costs. When family members become caregivers, they create a more personalized care environment. This approach ensures that the patient gets tailored attention to their specific needs, from activities of daily living like bathing and dressing to managing medications and attending follow-up appointments.
Caring for a loved one after discharge can be time-consuming, and many family caregivers struggle to balance this responsibility with other obligations. Through programs like Medicaid's Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, family members can receive compensation for the care they provide.
HCBS waivers allow patients eligible for Medicaid to receive care in their homes rather than being placed in a long-term care facility. Under these waivers, family members, including children or siblings (but excluding spouses in some states), can be paid for their caregiving services.
Structured Family Caregiving is one option available through HCBS waivers, where a family member can be hired as the primary caregiver. This program formalizes the caregiving relationship, ensuring caregivers are compensated for their time and effort. The payment is based on the level of care the patient requires and is often supplemented by training and support from healthcare professionals to ensure that caregivers can provide high-quality care.
After hospital discharge, your loved one may still need support to manage their health and recovery. Explore care options that provide medical, personal, and social assistance to enhance their quality of life and prevent unplanned readmission.
Available care options covered by Medicaid
LTSS provides assistance while keeping your loved one in their home or community. Services include personal care, health maintenance, and social support to enhance independence.
Long-term care facilities provide residential options and offer 24/7 medical supervision, support with daily activities, and a structured environment for individuals with more intensive care needs.
Planning for care after leaving the hospital is an important step to make sure your loved one recovers successfully at home. Medicaid programs like structured family caregiving can help family caregivers provide the care their loved one needs and get paid for their time and effort.
