Preparing for a senior’s discharge from hospital is complicated. There are things to arrange and decisions to make. Connecting with the hospital’s social worker is an important first step, as they are your in-hospital advocates.

When the senior’s hospital discharge is being discussed or seems eminent, it’s vital to request a discharge planning conference so that you may discuss the services that are available from the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) in Ontario. Ask for a meeting with the hospital’s CCAC discharge planner. If this person is hard to find, then request a meeting with a social worker.

The discharge planner will answer your questions about government home care services, and what can be provided. Ask questions and be sure that you fully understand what should be available and what is being offered. With this knowledge, you will be able to make informed decisions about arranging additional private services that may be needed.

Private home care services that you may want or need to consider are:

personal care by a qualified home caregiver
at home physiotherapy
at home occupational therapy
at home nutritionist
at home massage therapy

Additional home care after a hospital discharge can help ensure that the transition home is successful and avoid hospital re-admissions.

At Choice Homecare, we can help seniors in the Ottawa area transition from the hospital to home, including post-operative care. Please contact us for more information.