Ensuring a seamless discharge experience from a hospital admission.

Transitioning home from a hospital admission may require a few adjustments. It's important to coordinate this process with community partners to reduce hospital readmission. Below are a few questions to ask yourself and tips to consider when ensuring a smooth transition.

• Will your loved one transition home or to a rehabilitation facility? Often times, our loved ones need additional care prior to release to an in-home setting.

• Is home a safe environment? Any modifications or supervision needed?

• If your loved one has restricted activities or requires supervision, is there in-home care support in place? How much care is needed? ( ex. ambulation support, personal care, respite care, transportation to ongoing appointments, medication reminders, food preparation, personal care, emotional support)

• Will any medical equipment or other assistive device to required to live safely and independently at home? ( ex. wheelchairs, hospital bed, rollator walker, cane, lift, bathroom safety equipment, digital scale, digital thermometer, blood glucose monitor, blood pressure monitor, nebulizer, Incontinence products, ramp...)

• Have there been any adjustments to prescribed medications? ( many readmissions are due to medication errors. Verify any changes to prescriptions and dosages with you physician.)

• What is your medical follow-up plan? (next appointments, doctors contact names and numbers, care coordinator information...etc.)

• Is there an emergency plan in place? Who do you contact?

• Are there any dietary restrictions or needs that should be implemented?