Whether you have a planned or unplanned procedure—hospitalization can happen at any time. Even elective procedures (like a joint replacement surgery) can include unexpected outcomes, so it's best to create a plan with your loved ones before they happen. That plan can include your goals for recovery, what you'll need when you return home, and how you and your loved ones might handle various scenarios to prevent complications.
Of course, everyone's goal is to recover with ease; but it's also a good idea to plan for common difficulties that may occur after an injury, illness, surgery or hospitalization. So before you leave the hospital and return home, it's important that you talk to your doctor about a discharge plan.
What is a hospital discharge plan?
Your discharge plan is a list of written instructions about things you'll have to do to manage your recovery at home. It may give you directions for things like:
- Scheduling follow-up tests or appointments
- Managing your condition
- Taking your medications
- Caring for any stitches or wounds
- Avoiding activities like driving or lifting—and for how long
- Eating the right foods for recovery
- Ordering needed equipment your recovery
Be sure to involve your family caregiver in the planning process too. That way, they can understand why your discharge plan is important, and what role they play in it.
Nine questions to ask your doctor before going home
It is important for you to transition home safely and smoothly and to continue to get the right healthcare for your recovery. Here are nine questions that you can ask your hospital nurse or doctor before you leave the hospital:
- What are symptoms that I need to watch for and who do I call if I have any problems?
- Will I need medical equipment, like a walker?
- Will I need skilled nursing or therapy services, like physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech-language pathology?
- Do I need someone to stay with me during the day or overnight?
- Are there any special tasks that my family caregiver or I need to learn to recover successfully at home, like how to change a bandage or give a shot?
- When can I go back to my normal activities?
- Is there a special nutrition plan that I should follow?
- How many follow-up appointments do I need, and when?
- What medications will I need to take, and how often do I take them?
Make sure everyone involved with your care—especially family or friends who are offering their assistance—knows the details of your plan and what they'll be responsible for. Make sure your primary caregiver stays healthy and has time off or a flexible schedule. It may be helpful to assign a backup caregiver, like another relative or close friend.
Following your doctor's instructions when taking medicine is an important part of your plan of care. If leaving home is a challenge, a mail-order pharmacy such as CenterWell Pharmacy®, can help you keep up with your medicines. It's easy to set up, order refills—plus you'll get personalized support from 600+ pharmacists from the comfort of your home.
Your doctor may also recommend home health to help with your recovery and rehabilitation— especially if home is the safest and best place for you following a hospitalization.
Home health providers, like CenterWell Home Health®, offer skilled care from nurses and therapists. Home health aides and social workers may also assist to ensure your daily needs are met. CenterWell coordinates a plan with your doctor to help you get the care you need to regain your independence and live a healthier, happier life.
Many people aren't aware that they qualify for home health, so ask your doctor or healthcare provider about it before you leave the hospital. For those who qualify, home health may be covered 100% by Medicare or other insurance—especially if leaving your home is a challenge.
So remember, creating your discharge plan is about more than having information. It's about you and your family caregiver having the confidence that you'll be prepared, no matter what happens.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about CenterWell Home Health, click here to connect with one of our nurses. They are available 24/7 to help you determine if home health is right for you.