Hospital to homecare: Why it’s important, and how it works
Published: 20/12/2022
As we get older, it can be even more important to be surrounded by family during the holiday season. Spending time with loved ones brings joy and comfort in a way that nothing else can. It helps provide security and support, boosting mental health and overall well-being. Christmas is also an opportunity for grandchildren and other young relatives to spend quality time with their elders, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Why it’s important
That is why if people have been in hospital for treatment, they want to get home in time for the holidays. Hospital to Homecare is an invaluable service that makes this possible, providing medication management and care coordination that helps patients transition from the hospital to their homes. This supports individuals and their families before, during, and after hospital discharge ensuring a seamless transition. Once home, they can remain connected with their loved ones in their familiar environment, which helps prevent anxiety and stress. It also allows people to receive care from family or specialists in their homes, which is preferable. It is an excellent way for individuals to continue receiving the best care without needing to remain in the hospital.
Below are some of the key elements of how the process works::
Hospital and homecare working together
Once the decision has been made to return home, the hospital will create a discharge plan tailored to the individual's needs. This includes support services, such as home health aides or medical equipment, to ensure that the patient can smoothly transition back home. Once the hospital discharge plan is in place, hospital staff can share this with your chosen homecare agency to determine the care needed.
At Right at Home, we offer a 'Hospital to home rehabilitation service', which is the perfect temporary and flexible package to support this transition back home. Our Care manager visits the patient in the hospital to carry out the first assessment, which enables them to create a personalised care package.
Coordinating with family
If necessary, we also coordinate with family members to ensure they understand their role. We can provide one-to-one training for family members, where required, such as 'Moving and Handling' or the use of medical equipment. Families working with their health care provider develop strategies to ensure their loved one receives the best care transitioning from hospital to home care. This process might feel overwhelming, but with this support and resources, it will be a positive experience for everyone involved. It is important to remember that hospital to homecare is about creating an environment of comfort and love for the patient. With the right plan, families provide their loved ones with the best possible start on their journey back to health.
Personalised care plan
Once home, Right at Home will visit for the second time to meet the patient in their home environment. This helps to create a personalised care plan that outlines the services needed and how these will be carried out. A personalised care plan is an excellent asset to the transition from hospital to home. Customising the plan to meet individual needs and preferences ensures that each person receives the most appropriate and personalised care during the transition process. They can link in with additional services, such as the District Nurse or occupational therapist, to ensure continuity of care. The plan considers an individual's medical history, lifestyle, and other factors to create a unique care plan tailored to their specific needs. This personalised approach makes hospital to homecare transitions a positive and joyful experience, which is excellent for the patient.
With homecare services, patients get the care they need in the most comfortable and familiar setting possible. For hospital staff, the homecare service helps streamline the discharge process while reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays and providing better patient outcomes. For families, hospital to homecare offers peace of mind that their loved ones receive quality care and support. Everyone can feel confident that they are getting the best possible care, wherever they may be.
Contact us on 01252 783426 or 01483 662400 to learn more about how Right at Home can help you or your loved one transition from the hospital back home. One of our team will be able to talk you through the process and advise how we can help.
Related articles:
