It has been a long or a short road since your loved one was admitted to the hospital or rehab.  Now the next step.

 So the medical team deems your love one ready to leave their care as medically your loved one is stable or on a rehabilitation level they have hit a plateau.    A date has been set for your loved one to go home or to a new address (retirement residence for example).  Either way before discharge happens:

  • Make sure to get all the necessary testing done before your loved one leaves, ideally obtain all test results too.

  • If a staff member is supposed to get back to you with specific information, make sure you obtain that information and that you understand their lingo.

  • During the hospitalization have medications changed? Get an updated list of medications accompanied with how to administer them.  Will there be a follow-up exam to ensure all is ok? If so can that appointment be booked before discharge? Will any blood test be necessary? If so how often must they be done and done by whom?  Are there side effects to look out for with this new combination of medication?

  • Is a different or a new care plan needed? Get details on what needs to be provided, at what frequency and what to look out for should there be a setback. Whether you are providing the care or not, ask as many questions as possible to educate yourself as much as possible regarding this new situation should your support be needed.

  • Before discharge what more can this present system provide?  Can they prepare paper work to gain access to day centers, physiotherapy, adapted equipment, different specialists……to help your loved one avoid a set back and a readmission ask them with assistance for all and everything that comes to mind that could be helpful.  The worse that could happen is that they say no or better yet point you in the right direction.  Once discharge occurs the files are archived and it will most likely be more arduous to obtain missing paperwork, referrals to a specialist or guidance towards support that could be helpful at home.

Next blog will discuss what to keep in mind if the discharge occurs and your loved one is going home, followed a another blog looking at a discharge occurring and your loved one going to a new address (retirement residence).