Making the shift from hospital care to a nursing home or long-term care facility can be overwhelming. But this transition is necessary when a patient requires continuous medical care, rehabilitation, or help with daily activities. At California Post Acute Care, we understand that moving from hospital care to long-term care can be stressful, but we are here to reduce your stress and anxiety. We’ll guide you through each step to ensure comfort and ease during this transition.
How Do I Know If Long-Term Care Is Necessary?
Hospitals specialize in short-term illness, injury, and surgery care. However, there comes a point when a patient may no longer need hospital-level treatment but still needs consistent medical attention and support. That’s where long-term care facilities come in. These facilities are designed to provide skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and daily assistance to guarantee that patients receive the care and support they need.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Start Planning Early
Don’t wait until the patient is discharged from the hospital to start preparing. Speak with the hospital’s discharge planner to understand what kind of care the patient will need. Planning ahead will help reduce stress and make the transition to a nursing home smoother. - Organize Medical Records
Work with hospital staff to gather the patient’s medical history, prescriptions, and care plan and forward them to the long-term care facility. This will ensure that the patient continues to have care they need every step of the way. - Familiarize Yourself with the Facility
If possible, visit the nursing home beforehand. Touring the facility in person and meeting the staff can help ease anxiety for both the patient and their family. - Personalize the Space
Bring familiar items like photos, decorations, and other personal belongings to make the nursing home feel welcoming and comfortable. Familiarity can make a big difference. - Stay Connected
After the move, keep in touch with the nursing home staff to stay informed about your loved one’s condition. Regular check-ins provide reassurance for the patient and family members.
What to Expect at a Long-Term Care Facility
Long-term care facilities offer 24 hour skilled nursing care and medical supervision. The staff at California Post Acute Care will assist with essential daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. They will also help each patient follow their personalized care plans.
In addition to medical support, our facility provides rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy that help residents regain strength and flexibility and ultimately improve their quality of life.
We also believe that taking care of the patient’s emotional and mental well-being is just as important. With weekly activities and events, we create a supportive and fulfilling environment.
Transitioning from hospital care to a long-term care facility is a big step, but with a little bit of planning and support, it will be a positive change for you or your loved one. At California Post Acute Care, we’re committed to making this process as smooth as possible for patients and their families.
If you or a loved one is preparing for this transition, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our friendly team is here to help with every step of the process so that you feel confident and supported.