Prevent Hospital Readmission

Readmission to the hospital occurs about 35% of the time. Being fully informed about the process of obtaining additional support and services will help you or a loved one hopefully avoid readmission when recovering from a hospitalization.

Below is a list of key information to reduce your chance of readmission:

* Please consider having a Patient Advocate with you during your discharge
instructions. This may be a friend or family member who is listening along
with you about medication dosages. They are also listening to any special
instructions provided by your healthcare team; which are important for a
successful recovery.
* During the first 24 hours after leaving the hospital it is important to have
someone stay with you for the WHOLE time as recommended by your
Physician.
* Ask your Doctor if you are an appropriate candidate for Home Nursing if
additional layers of support are temporarily needed, i.e. a home health
aide to assist with bathing, a Social Worker who may refer you to
additional resources such as Meals on Wheels, Physical and Occupational
Therapy, etc.
* Accept the advice of the medical staff if Home Nursing is recommended.
Share any special needs with your healthcare team, such as- living alone,
unable to cook meals, the need of any mobility devices, (cane, walker)
while getting stronger and continuing to recover from your hospitalization.
* Call your health insurance company to learn about your home care nursing
benefits if needed.