A guide to transitioning from hospital to home
While at times necessary for your loved one’s health, a hospital stay takes a serious toll on their emotional and mental well-being. To maximize their recovery and avoid setbacks, it is crucial to arrange a seamless transition from hospital to home. Understanding how this type of transition will look and the coordination needed is key to helping your loved one feel safe and be able to thrive once home.
Needs and considerations
A seamless transition from hospital to home begins with careful planning. If the hospital is ready to discharge a patient, it means they are confident in their stability. However, one in five patients experience adverse events in the few weeks after the transition because of improper care once home.
To avoid this issue, you need to ask yourself these questions:
● Do I have all the necessary instructional paperwork regarding in-home care after leaving the hospital?
● Do I have all the necessary equipment to provide in-home care (wheelchair, IV, oxygen system, etc)?
● Do I have special transportation (if necessary)?
● Did I review all elements that could become a hazard or obstacle in the house (stairs, clutter, insufficient lighting, wobbly furniture)?
Once safely home, the main consideration is how much in-home care your loved one will need. If they require minor assistance with everyday activities, you could potentially rely on friends or family members. However, if they need continuous monitoring, specialized medical care, or there is a heightened risk for readmission, in-home nursing through a licensed agency is most advisable.
Hospital transitions with TrustHouse
If the discharge process feels overwhelming, you may choose to engage with a licensed home care agency before even leaving the hospital. Early engagement with TrustHouse allows for direct communication between our Nurse Care Managers and the hospital so that all clinical information is appropriately relayed and included in the care plan.
A Registered Nurse can be scheduled to begin care bedside so that a clinical ear can be present during all discharge planning conversations, and eventually coordinate the transition home. Once home, TrustHouse Registered Nurse’s will support your loved one with all activities of daily living as well as clinical monitoring, medication administration, and will liaise directly with the hospital or primary care physician to ensure compliance and reduce readmission risk. Engaging with TrustHouse to coordinate in-home private nursing care allows your loved one the opportunity to transition home easily, where they may heal physically and mentally in a comfortable and familiar setting.
TrustHouse is a premier, bespoke in-home care provider that delivers personalized services tailored to meet the exacting standards of discerning families. With rigorously vetted, trained, and certified private duty nurses, we guarantee superior care, better health outcomes, and enhanced peace of mind.
To request care or learn more about TrustHouse, please contact us at 212.776.4390.