Guide
Arranging home care after a hospital discharge
Discharge often happens faster than families expect. A clear plan before your parent leaves makes the first week safer.
1
Ask for the discharge planner
Every hospital has one. Ask what skilled services the doctor is ordering and whether Medicare home health is covered.
2
Separate skilled and non-skilled help
Medicare home health covers nurse and therapy visits, not hourly aides. Plan for both if your parent needs help bathing or should not be alone.
3
Call two or three agencies today
Ask how soon they can start, their minimum hours, and whether they can do the first visit on the day of discharge.
Questions to ask on the first call
- Can you start on the day of discharge?
- Do you coordinate with the home health nurse?
- What is your minimum shift?
Agencies that may fit
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