The Importance of CaregiversThe discharge conversation starts soon after you’re admitted. Discharge planners work closely with your providers to understand the care goals and potential barriers to discharge. They work to eliminate those barriers to smoothly transition you back to your home or a post-acute care facility. That’s when the conversation starts happening with your caregiver as well. They’re the expert on you. Discharge planners need to understand your living situation and support system. The more present your caregiver is at the hospital, the better sense discharge planners have of your baseline and whether your recovery needs are too extensive for home. Caregivers, be honest about what you’re able to handle. Maybe you have an employment or financial situation that prevents you from giving your loved one the care that they need. Help paint a clear picture of what’s happening at home so everyone can arrive at a discharge plan that makes sense. The nursing staff is there to educate you on dressing wounds, emptying drains, administering medicine, etc. But you also need to ask yourself if you’re comfortable being that care person and if you understand the extent of what you need to do and how to do it. There’s no shame in admitting that you can’t care for your loved one at home. Communicate that as early as possible so discharge planners can begin the process of looking into a post-acute care facility or helping you find in-home assistance. It’s easier to cancel plans if you get to a place where you’re comfortable caring for your loved one than to find out at discharge that going home is not a realistic option for them. |