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.
