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Why Assessing Discharge Procedures is Important

September 11, 2020 0 Comment Category: Foothill Heights

When searching for a skilled nursing home for short-term or long-term care and rehabilitation services, many people tend to overlook the facility’s discharge procedures. However, it is essential to carefully review the discharge procedures because you may need support or care services even after your stay at a skilled nursing home. This is a vital measure to ensure a smooth and successful transition from the skilled nursing facility to your home and usual lifestyle.

Different skilled nursing homes will have different discharge procedures, making it essential to evaluate how your preferred facility’s policies will help you when the time comes. Having reliable discharge procedures shows the skilled nursing home’s quality and assures you that they will go the extra mile to help you. Below are some of the aspects to consider when looking at the discharge procedures of a skilled nursing home.

Comprehensive Discharge Summary

See if the skilled nursing home will offer you a detailed report when you are discharged from the facility. This should be a comprehensive report, including the details of your condition treated at the nursing home, and the post-discharge needs to support your transition of care. The discharge summary will help your healthcare provider post-discharge to get all the information they need to deliver effective care.

Patient/Family Counseling and Education

The skilled nursing home should notify you and your family about the discharge process as earlier as possible. They should provide all the relevant information about your condition and care routines, both written and verbal. They should also educate your family members about everything from medication schedules to specialized nutritional needs and wound care to therapies and further treatments.

Post-Discharge Care Assessment and Planning

Check if the skilled nursing facility will help to assess your post-discharge care needs and work with you to plan the continuing care and treatment options. The caregivers should collaborate with you and your family and the care team, including the primary physician, nurses, therapists, nutritionists, and other care professionals, to plan the best post-discharge care option for your needs.

Help with Finding and Coordinating Post-Discharge Care Services

Many skilled nursing homes have discharge planning personnel on the site to help you and your family find and coordinate the post-discharge care services you need. They will be familiar with community care and other support resources to guide you in locating the right options to continue your recovery and rehabilitation after being discharged from the skilled nursing facility.