WHAT CONSUMERS AND THEIR FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BEING DISCHARGED TO HOME CARE
July 25th, 2006 by RespiteMatch.comYou have the right and responsibility to be involved in your plan of care. To the greatest extent possible, consumers should be an active participant in developing that plan. Below are questions to help you and your family with your discharge and future health needs.
Do you have your insurance cards or other documents?
Do you and your family feel that your current medical and mental health status is stable enough to be discharged to home care?
Do you have family or other people at home to assist you at home?
If not, are you comfortable taking care of yourself as needed?
Do you need people to take care of you?
Do you know how you and your family will be paying for your care? Do you think you are eligible for Medicare and/or Medicaid? Do you have private insurance or will you and/or your family be paying for your care?
Are you and/or your family comfortable that you and/or they can make important decisions about your health care needs? Do you and/or you family feel it is necessary to consult a professional about your decision making status?
Do you feel comfortable that you and/or your family understand your physician’s expectations about your health status and decision to be cared for at home?
What are your expectations/goals for your immediate and short term health care needs?
What are your expectations for your long term care?
What are the expectations/goals of your family and/or other informal supports assisting you in your care?
What services did you have prior to admission?
Do you know the name of the agency or facility that provided those services?
Do you expect that those services will be provided at the same level of service? Will that be sufficient or is an increase in hours needed? Is your provider willing to reinstate services? If not, why?
Do you know how to access services?
Does your primary care physician or person on your medical team need to be contacted? Do you know which physician will be responsible for overseeing your care at home?
Do you and/or your family feel that your home is adequately equipped for you to be cared for at home?
