One of the leading causes of hospital readmission or slow post-hospitalization recovery is the lack of proper support following a hospital discharge. Whether you are transitioning directly home after a hospitalization or moving through the care continuum via a rehabilitation or medical care facility, in-home care is a key resource for a safe and successful recovery process.

If you are considering home care, our Agency Evaluation Checklist helps you make sure you ask the right questions and find the care provider that is perfect for you. The Checklist covers everything from the experience and training of the caregivers to the responsiveness of the care managers. Make sure you have this checklist in hand as you consider your home care options.

At Home Care Assistance, we are committed to helping families make the best possible decision regarding care for their loved ones. Our checklist of the most important questions to ask a potential home care provider is meant to assist you in your evaluation process.

Choosing a Home Care Agency Checklist

Our mission at Home Care Assistance is to change the way the world ages. We provide older adults with quality care that enables them live happier, healthier lives at home. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of our staff and our expertise in Live-In care. We embrace a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults.

For more information on our services, visit www.homecareassistance.com or call 866-4-LIVE-IN

Please visit Your Online Resource for Hospital Discharge Process.

Home Care Assistance in the Washington DC area specializes in 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, live-in care for older adults. Caregivers come to the home or senior facility to provide any or all of the following services – Please call us at (301) 654-1525, (703) 356-4333, (202) 296-2124.

At Home Care Assistance, we are committed to the well being and safety of the clients we are privileged to serve. Many of our clients come to us following a hospitalization.

They are referred to us by physicians, discharge planners, social workers and case managers; health and wellness professionals know that the transition from hospital to home can be a challenging one for patients and their families. One of the leading causes of hospital readmission or slow post-hospitalization recovery is the lack of proper support immediately following a hospital discharge. As the leading experts in post-hospitalization care, we developed this guide to provide an overview of the challenges and resources associated with each step in the transition from hospital to home.

The guide will first describe what the discharge process entails and the key players involved. Next, it will provide a step-by-step summary on ensuring optimal care post-hospitalization. The transition out of the security of the hospital setting may seem daunting at first, but remember that you are not alone in this process. There is a team of individuals inside the hospital and in the greater care community to ensure that all of your needs are met. We hope our From Hospital to Home Care guide will equip you with the information you need to make the best decisions possible.

Please visit Your Online Resource for Hospital Discharge Process.

Home Care Assistance in the Washington DC area specializes in 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, live-in care for older adults. Caregivers come to the home or senior facility to provide any or all of the following services – Please call us at (301) 654-1525, (703) 356-4333, (202) 296-2124.

Six Steps to Recovery at Home

As you plan for your recovery, keep in mind that it can be a gradual process. Recovery typically follows a six-step progression and can require anywhere from a few weeks to months, depending on the cause of your hospitalization. As you progress through these steps, you should constantly evaluate your own strength and confidence. You should never move on to the next step until you are ready.

1. Dependence. When you first return home after your hospitalization, your primary goals should be rest and recovery. Your caregiver is there to support you and can handle your laundry, meal preparation, errands and any other household tasks. Focus your energy on recommended therapy exercises, activities and caloric intake. Don’t be concerned if you need more help than you expected.

2. Mild Independence. When you feel stronger, you should ask your caregiver to cut back on hands-on care whenever possible. Identify tasks that you can now manage independently, such as eating or walking down the stairs, and slowly wean yourself off of care in these areas. Never compromise your safety; ask your caregiver to step in if you feel uncomfortable.

3. Supervised Independence. Over time, you should gradually increase your independence. Your caregiver should be there to assist if needed, but the caregiver’s primary role should be supervision and safety monitoring rather than direct physical assistance. Try to perform the activities of daily living – bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, walking – as independently as possible.

4. Supported Independence. Once you are comfortable with the activities of daily living, you can incorporate chores and other housework into your routine. Try a trip to the grocery store or the pharmacy accompanied by your caregiver, or join in to prepare a meal together. Though these steps may seem minor and incremental, they are important touchstones in your path toward a full recovery.

5. Semi-Supported Independence. In this phase, you should try to take responsibility for day-to-day tasks and return to your pre-hospitalization routine. Just remember, your caregiver is there to assist you if you need help, but try not to take advantage of that assistance unless you really need it. Some activities may be more difficult following a hospitalization, regardless of the progress in your recovery.

6. Full Independence. If you feel you can safely return to all of your regular activities without the support of a caregiver, you may consider reducing your care. Evaluate your own comfort level, especially if you are living alone or with a spouse who also requires some level of care. Remember that full independence is a long-term goal and should not be prioritized ahead of your safety.

Please visit Your Online Resource for Hospital Discharge Process.

Home Care Assistance in the Washington DC area specializes in 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, live-in care for older adults. Caregivers come to the home or senior facility to provide any or all of the following services – Please call us at (301) 654-1525, (703) 356-4333, (202) 296-2124.

The post-hospitalization patient requires regular observation and care in the critical days and weeks following a hospital discharge. While a family member may have the best intentions when deciding to serve as a caregiver for a recently hospitalized loved one, the burden is often too great for the untrained caregiver. Family caregivers often experience clinically significant symptoms of depression as a result of the added responsibility and stress associated with caregiving. Home care agencies like Home Care Assistance have professional, trained, compassionate caregivers available to provide post-hospitalization care. Their care managers can provide expert planning and coordination as your loved one exits the hospital and begins recovery at home. Their caregivers are experienced in the recovery and rehabilitation process and can serve as a constant source of support for the recently discharged individual. Please visit our Hospital to Home Care Tools and Resources page for more resources and downloadable guides to help you understand your home care options, manage the hospital to home care process and better evaluate your needs. Home Care Assistance has a Transition Home Package, designed to provide care and support tailored to the unique needs of post-hospitalization patients.

Transition Home™ Package

Home Care Assistance’s Transition Home™ Package helps families manage the discharge process, provides a seamless transition home and promotes effective rehabilitation at home. The package includes:

• A consultation and personalized Care Plan developed over the telephone or in person, based on your preference.
• An expertly trained caregiver who will meet you and your family in the hospital, in the facility or at home to support the critical initial transition.
• Support with home safety needs, including recommendations about equipment and home safety modifications to support your recovery.
• Ongoing support with errands, grocery shopping, prescription pick-up, housekeeping and other physical activities that may be too challenging for a recently discharged patient.
• Physical assistance with activities of daily living including mobility, bathing and grooming, eating and transferring tailored to the patient’s needs.
• Meal preparation based on our proprietary Balanced Care Method™ with an emphasis on healthy, balanced nutrition and regular caloric intake in line with the physician’s recommendations.
• Medication reminders, rehabilitation exercise prompts, physical and emotional support and companionship throughout the recovery process.
• Transportation to rehabilitation sessions, doctor appointments and personal events.
• Regular status updates from the care team, at your discretion, to designated family and friends.

The first 72 hours at home are critical for post hospitalization patients. The patient and family must make lifestyle adjustments no matter how comprehensive the discharge plan may be. The patient often feels fatigued and family members can feel confused or helpless. Our caregivers are here to help manage the transition and help you on the path toward a successful recovery in the comfort of home.

Please visit Your Online Resource for Hospital Discharge Process.

Home Care Assistance in the Washington DC area specializes in 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, live-in care for older adults. Caregivers come to the home or senior facility to provide any or all of the following services – Please call us at (301) 654-1525, (703) 356-4333, (202) 296-2124.

The discharge planning team is responsible for coordinating a patient’s transition out of the hospital and his or her post-hospitalization recovery. As a hospital stay — be it for a planned surgery or unexpected admission — draws to a close, there are typically two options for post-hospitalization care. The hospital care team may recommend that the patient continue to heal and regain strength in a rehabilitation facility, or depending on a patient’s needs and desires, the care team may recommend recovery and rehabilitation at home. Neither option is better or worse than the other— while many people will respond positively to the rehabilitation center environment, others will find comfort in returning to more familiar surroundings. Being honest about one’s preferences and abilities is the key to a well-informed decision.

The following tips can help patients and their families plan effectively for discharge and recovery.

Understand your care options prior to discharge. If you prefer to recover at home, make your feelings known to the discharge team.

Write a list of your prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, supplements and vitamins, including your regular dosage and medication times. Make sure the medical team is aware of any drugs you were taking prior to hospitalization to prevent unintended complications.

Obtain a list of home medical equipment, such as a walker or hospital bed, to facilitate your recovery at home. You should plan to acquire and install this equipment prior to discharge.

If you require regular therapy, testing or medical check-ups, write down a schedule of your appointments, including contact information for each.

Ask the staff to demonstrate any tasks that require special skills, such as changing a bandage.

Ask your discharge team about common problems for patients with your health condition, what you can do to reduce your risk and what you should do in the event of emergency.

Understand your physical limitations and areas where you need support. For example, you may have mobility issues after discharge that will prevent you from safely walking around the hours or running errands.

Ask to speak with a social worker if have concerns about coping with your illness. A social worker can provide you and your family with information on managing your illness, support groups and other resources.

Request written discharge instructions and a summary of your current health status. Bring this information and your medication list with you to any follow-up medical appointments.

Please visit Your Online Resource for Hospital Discharge Process.

Home Care Assistance in the Washington DC area specializes in 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, live-in care for older adults. Caregivers come to the home or senior facility to provide any or all of the following services – Please call us at (301) 654-1525, (703) 356-4333, (202) 296-2124.