Discharge Planning

What is discharge planning?

Discharge planning helps you prepare to leave the hospital. It involves talking about:

• when you may be able to leave the hospital
• what care, treatment, or help you will need after you leave
• whether your needs can be meet at home or if other living arrangements (such as a nursing facility) will be needed.

You will be given information about:

• your diagnosis
• how to take medicines prescribed for you
• what the medicines are supposed to do
• any other treatments you need.

Discharge planning also involves linking you with the community resources and equipment that you or your family will need.

Who is involved in discharge planning?

Many people are involved in discharge planning. Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your diagnosis. Your nurses will teach you about your disease and how to take your medicines. They will also show you how to do any procedures necessary for your care, such as changing a dressing. Physical therapists or dietitians may help with exercise routines and meal planning.

Nurses or social workers (sometimes called case managers) may visit you in the hospital to discuss services you will need when you go home. They can arrange for after-hospital services such as home care, home-delivered meals, or special equipment. Your family may be a part of these discussions.

You and your family are very important in this process. Your role is to:

• Ask questions.
• Tell the staff what you want to learn.
• Let them know what you need.
• Tell them if you think that you will not be able to do what they suggest.

After you go home the discharge planning staff can still be an important resource. Call them if you have questions. This department of the hospital may also be called case management, social service, or patient-family services.

Where else can I go for help?

For information on community resources, call a local home care agency in your area. You can find these agencies in the Yellow Pages under nursing or home care. You can also call the local senior center or the Area Agency on Aging. To find your local Area Agency on Aging, call the national Eldercare Locator between 9 AM and 8 PM, ET, Monday through Friday, at 800-677-1116.