Discharge from the hospital is a moment of relief of joy for family members. But the transition can be taxing if not planned properly. A hospital discharge planning checklist can help you deal with all the stress and overwhelming duties one must undertake after the patient transfer. We do not mean to scare you but only prepare you for discharge planning from hospital to home. Planning the discharge is very crucial for both the patient and the caregivers. It helps you deal with the responsibilities without wrecking your regular life.
A hospital discharge planning checklist includes everything from non-emergency medical transportation to medicines and patient appointments. If you have never made a hospital discharge planning checklist before, here are several concerns that should be integrated into your checklist.
Issues to Address in Your Hospital Discharge Planning Checklist
- Transportation
Think about how the patient will return home from the hospital. If he can travel by car, there should be no issues, but in most cases, patients are still weak. In such situations, it is wise to provide them with all the safety you can. Ambulances are extremely safe but do not extend their services for discharge. NEMT services, on the other hand, are specially made for this purpose. These vans are also used for disabled transport services, serving seniors and the disabled.
- Safety at Home
Address the question of safety in your hospital discharge planning checklist. What kind of mobility challenges might a patient face back at home? Ensure they stay from stairs or anything that might cause an accident. Will there be people to help him around? If not, hire hourly help. It is best not to leave them alone in the house during recovery.
- Medication
Medication is a must on your hospital discharge planning checklist. See that medicines are refilled and stocked. Understand the dosage and schedule well from the doctor. Remember to give them medications on time. If you cannot be present throughout the day, make a routine and check up on them.
- Diet
Diet is as important as medication for quick recovery. It will not be possible for the patient to do errands and get groceries every other day. Therefore, ensure the fridge has enough rations for a few days, and if possible, chart out a meal plan for at least a week.
- Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care should not be overlooked. Be clear about the next steps, and never miss out on an appointment.
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- Household Chores
It will not be possible for the discharged patient to carry on with the household chores like cleaning, cooking, washing, etc. Make sure you devise an alternative for the situation in the hospital discharge planning checklist. You can appoint someone to do the chores or rely heavily on machines. The choice will highly depend on the patient’s condition.
- Equipment
Ask the doctor if you need any equipment at home, like a wheelchair, shower chair, etc. If yes, make arrangements before the person arrives home. If necessary, you can ask the doctor or the hospital to supply you with the equipment.
Preparing a hospital discharge planning checklist is of great help. It will take a lot of pressure off you. A neat list of things you must take care of after discharge will help you handle the situation more easily. Do not forget to include the issues mentioned above when you make one.