The hospital says your parent can go home.

That’s good news.

But “ready to leave the hospital” doesn’t necessarily mean “ready to manage everything alone.”

A successful transition starts before discharge day.

Your Hospital-to-Home Checklist

Before your loved one arrives home:

  • Understand the discharge instructions.
  • Confirm follow-up appointments.
  • Understand the medication schedule.
  • Remove obvious trip hazards.
  • Make frequently used items easy to reach.
  • Plan transportation.
  • Stock easy-to-prepare meals.
  • Determine who will help with bathing and dressing.
  • Determine whether mobility assistance is needed.
  • Create a plan for the first several days at home.

Who Will Actually Be There?

This question gets overlooked.

A family member may be able to help on discharge day, but what happens Tuesday morning when everyone returns to work?

CareBuilders Arlington provides personal-care assistance that can include mobility, hygiene support and medication reminders, along with companion services such as meals, errands and household assistance.

Does Medicare Cover Care After a Hospital Stay?

Medicare can cover certain qualifying skilled home-health services when eligibility requirements are met. However, Medicare generally does not cover 24-hour home care or personal/custodial care when that’s the only type of assistance needed.

That’s why families should understand the difference between skilled home health and non-medical home care when planning a discharge.

Don’t Wait Until Discharge Day

If someone you love is preparing to return home from a hospital, rehabilitation center or medical setback, start planning their home support early.

Call CareBuilders at Home of Arlington at 703-261-4783 or contact us here to discuss a personalized post-discharge care plan.