Five Things Care Managers Suggest You Consider Before Leaving the Hospital

Whether you are in the hospital due to a prolonged illness or a procedure, you may need to make adaptations to your home and everyday routine to return home safely.  It can be overwhelming for you and your family members to navigate on your own. Fortunately, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) care managers are available to help make sure that your discharge is as seamless as possible.

“Our goal is to make sure that when you are discharged from the hospital, you have everything you need to continue to recover safely in the comfort of your own home. If you came from home our goal is to have you return home.” says Sara Saliby, Director, care management, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest. If the multi-disciplinary team recommends a discharge to a facility after your stay, the care management team will meet with you to discuss your options.

The care management team works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support patients and their families throughout the discharge planning process. Here are a few things you may want to consider before you or a loved one is discharged from the hospital.

In many cases, you won’t be able to drive home from the hospital yourself. It is important to plan your transportation home before it’s time to leave. If you are having trouble arranging a ride from friends or family, speak with your care manager for assistance.  Other transportation arrangements may require you to pay for out-of-pocket expenses, such as an insurance deductibles or costs not covered by insurance.

It is common to have follow-up doctors’ appointments after a hospitalization. Please make sure you have transportation to these appointments. They are vital to your recovery. If you know this will be a challenge, please communicate that with your care manager or doctor’s office.

To support your healing, it is important that you have all your necessary medications before you are discharged home. For your convenience, LVHN has outpatient pharmacy services at all our locations. It also is important that you and your caregiver understand the medication schedule and dosage prior to leaving the hospital. If you have any questions, a member of your medical team can help address your concerns prior to discharge.

Do you need special equipment like a walker or commode to complete everyday tasks safely? If so, speak with your care manager who can help determine if the items are covered by your insurance or if there will be any copays or out of pocket costs.

The number one thing your care team will keep in mind before allowing you to be discharged home is your safety. Your care manager will meet with you to determine your needs after your hospital stay by conducting a comprehensive assessment to identify issues that could interfere with your recovery. Your care manager will help you and/or your family in developing a safe and appropriate discharge plan.  

We are already looking ahead to your discharge when you are admitted to the hospital. Care managers put together a list for needs at discharge and will place appropriate referrals to community resources that can assist you in a variety of ways. We are here to support you, please let us know if you have any issues concerning the cost of your medications, paying for food or housing. Your care manager can provide you with a list of community resources.

The care management department is proud to be a member of your treatment team and we are committed to providing excellent service to our community to ensure a safe discharge while prompting the best possible outcome.