When a senior is discharged from the hospital, there are a lot of things to coordinate and think about. We’ve made this process a little easier with a step-by-step guide to a safe hospital discharge. By referring to the process outlined in our infographic, you can know what to expect when a loved one gets to come home from the hospital.
View the text alternative of Hospital to Home Step-By-Step Guide.
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Hospital To Home Step-By-Step Guide
Checklist for hospital discharge
- Talk with family early to plan post-discharge support
- Coordinate supportive home care
- Inquire and set up home health care RN, PT, or OT
- Inquire and set up outpatient PT or OT
- Coordinate transportation home at discharge
- Coordinate transportation to follow up appointments
Discharge to facility or delayed discharge if:
- Lack of family support at home may prolong discharge
- Without the right care in place at home, it may not be safe to go home
- Home health care, RN, PT, or OT services are delivered in a skilled nursing facility
- Some patients are not mobile enough to go out for PT/OT
- Not having transportation set up could mean waiting hours in the hospital after discharge
- Missing follow-up appointments may contribute to hospital readmission
Discharge home if:
- Having a plan for support at home can speed up discharge
- Going home with caregiving services in place can help prevent avoidable readmissions
- Home health care, RN, PT, or OT services can be delivered in the comfort of home
- Outpatient PT/OT is an option for patients that are not home-bound
- Setting up transportation in advance with family or with a home care company can help prevent discharge delays
- Attending follow-up appointments can reduce the risk of preventable readmissions
Planning For Home Timeline
7 days before discharge: Family meeting
Meet with family to discuss which family members will be available to provide supportive care upon discharge.
5 to 6 days before discharge: Therapy/rehab
Find our if home healthcare will be prescribed after discharge. If therapy is needed, find out if it will be delivered at an out-patient or in-patient rehab facility or at a home healthcare agency.
4 days before discharge: Caregiving services
If discharging home and home care is needed, begin meeting with personal assistance service companies to set up caregiving services.
2 days before discharge: Transportation
Coordinate transportation home as well as any equipment that needs to be delivered.
Post discharge: Follow-up appointments
Make note of all follow-up appointments and coordinate transportation
