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Preparing for Discharge

As you may be aware, patients are being discharged from the hospital sooner than ever before. A tremendous improvement in healthcare technology accounts for these shorter stays. This benefits patients and family members because patients heal faster in the familiar surroundings of home. Years ago, all treatments occurred in the hospital. Now, patients are treated in a variety of settings to make sure they receive the right kind of care during their illness and recovery. As patients improve, they may be moved to a lower level of care, such as our Transitional Care Unit (TCU) or a skilled nursing facility. This ensures that safe, high-quality health care is provided in the most efficient manner possible. Redlands Community Hospital physicians and staff realize that people sometimes have difficulty in adjusting to these changes in care delivery. Case Managers and Social Workers are here to assist in coordinating your discharge plan. If you have questions or concerns, ask your nurse to contact your Case Manager or Social Worker.

The following tips are designed to help you in your planning:

Plan Ahead

If your admission is scheduled ahead of time, ask questions about the length of your stay and what help you may need when discharged. If your admission is unplanned, start thinking about and planning for your discharge on the day of admission. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team to plan for your post hospital needs. The team includes your Physician and Nurse, and may include a Social Worker, Case Manager, Therapist, Dietitian and other health professionals.

What Can You Do?

There are things you can do to plan for your continued care. Before you leave, you and your team should answer the following questions:

  • How will I get home?
  • What kind of care will I need?
  • Who can assist me at home?
  • Are there friends or family who can help?
  • Does my insurance cover outpatient and home health services?
  • Do I have my discharge instructions?
  • How will I obtain my discharge medications?
  • How will I get my meals?
  • Can I take a bath or shower?
  • Will I need special equipment?
  • Are there any activities that I cannot do?
  • Do I have transportation to my physician's office for follow-up care?

Remember that a nurse and physician each assess your medical stability prior to finalizing your discharge.

Located on the fourth floor of Redlands Community Hospital, the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) provides short-term, complex care (less than 10 days), such as intravenous antibiotics, wound care and therapy services. If you need care longer than 10 days or there is no bed available, we will assist in your transfer to a community-based skilled nursing facility.

Home Care includes a range of healthcare services to restore your health while in the comfort of your home, retirement hotel or board and care home. Depending on your physician's orders and insurance authorization, the types of services available include:

  • Nursing Care
  • IV Therapy
  • Wound Care
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Social Services
  • Education
  • Nutritional Support
  • Medical Equipment and Supplies

Hospice Services are available to assist terminally ill patients in their home, skilled nursing facility or board and care home.

If you would like more information about Redland Community Hospital's comprehensive Home Health or Hospice Services, please contact Home Health Services at 909.335.5647 or Hospice Services at 909.335.5643.