Hospitalization
While we all hope that we'll never need to be hospitalized, at
some time or another, either you or a loved one may need a hospital
stay. In some cases you will be able to schedule hospitalization as
needed; in many cases, it can happen without warning. The better
educated you are, the better prepared you will be. This article
provides information to help you or your loved one prepare for --
and handle -- hospitalization, as well as what you need to know
during your hospital stay to receive the best possible care.
| "I'm going to be admitted to the hospital next month for routine surgery," explains Sarah. "What steps can I take ahead of time to prepare for my hospital stay?" |
Preparing for and Coping With a Hospital Stay
Whether your hospital stay is planned or you end up there due to an emergency, there are some steps you can take to prepare for or cope with a visit to the hospital. Consider the following tips:
- Learn as much as you can about the illness and the treatment
plan recommended by the physician.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions or voice concerns.
- Contact your insurance company to find out exactly what
services are covered -- and what steps you need to take to ensure
that bills will be paid.
- Ask how you or your loved one can prepare for surgery or
treatments. Special restrictions and precautions (in terms of diet,
medication, exercise, etc.) may need to be taken.
- Find out the hospital's policy on advance directives -- legal
documents that allow an individual to make his or her wishes known
about care in the event that he or she is no longer able to do
so.
- Find out if rehabilitative services or special care will be
needed after hospitalization and make arrangements before
discharge. Note: A hospital discharge
planner can typically help.
- If independent living is not possible -- temporarily or
permanently -- after hospitalization, investigate and make
arrangements for alternate care options.
- If you are caring for a loved one who has been hospitalized, be
open with him or her and share information as you learn it.
Withholding information can frighten or mislead your loved
one.
- Understand your rights as a patient and take part in your care.
|
If you care for an older loved one or a loved one who has a
serious medical condition, you should be prepared to provide the
following information should the need for hospitalization
unexpectedly arise:
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Your Role In Receiving Effective Care
Whether you are hospitalized or you are advocating for a loved
one, there are certain responsibilities that you have as a
patient/advocate. Understanding these responsibilities will help
ensure that you or your loved one receives the best possible
care.
- Provide as much information as possible about your medical
history -- medications, past illnesses, family history of medical
problems, allergies, etc.
- Take an active role in the treatment plan. Ask questions about
anything you don't understand -- prognosis, diagnosis, instructions
for taking medication, etc. -- so that you can make an informed
decision with your doctor about the type of treatment you wish or
do not wish to receive.
- Get to know the team that is providing care. Make sure you know
the name of the attending physician and/or the physician
coordinating care and how to reach him or her. Also talk to the
nurses providing care. They can often answer questions and provide
valuable support.
- Understand that patients have certain rights -- the right to confidentiality, the right to consent to or refuse treatment, the right to review records of care, etc. If at any time you are unsure of what is happening or why, don't be afraid to ask for an explanation.
Being Discharged From the Hospital
Before you or a loved one are released from the hospital, make
sure you are aware of any special care that may be required. Speak
to the doctor and ask pointed questions (using the following
checklist as a guide). If extensive medical care or monitoring is
required, the hospital may suggest that you or a loved one move to
a sub-acute facility, which is often located in another wing of the
hospital or in a long term care facility. If this is the case, find
out about costs and insurance coverage, and make sure the facility
is equipped to treat your (or your loved one's) specific needs. A
hospital social worker or discharge planner can also assist you
with this process. Consider the following questions about care
after hospitalization:
- What type of treatment, monitoring or care is required? How long will it last?
- What medications, if any, are needed and in what dosages?
- What side effects could medications or treatments have?
- What should we do if side effects occur?
- Is there any special diet that should be followed? For how long?
- Are there any signs, symptoms or unusual behaviors that we should be on the alert for?
- When should the doctor be seen again?
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If the hospital plans to discharge you or a loved one and you feel it is premature, contact the hospital social worker or patient advocate to appeal the discharge. |
If you feel that discharge from the hospital is premature, speak to a doctor or hospital social worker and appeal the discharge. Medicare recipients who file an appeal have a right to immediate review by a Peer Review Organization (PRO). During the immediate review, you or your loved one may be able to stay in the hospital at no charge and the hospital cannot discharge you before the PRO reaches a decision. If the hospital has a patient advocate, he or she may be able to provide additional information and assistance with the appeal process. If you are caring for an older loved one who has been hospitalized, you may also consider contacting a Professional Care Manager (PCM). PCMs can assist you with assessing an older loved one's needs, locating services for him or her and/or advocating for his or her rights and safety.
Helpful Resources
American Hospital Association
(AHA)
One North Franklin
Chicago, IL 60606
312-422-3000
www.hospitalconnect.com*
The American Hospital Association is the national organization that
represents hospitals, health care networks and patients. Log on to
their site to read their publication, "The Patient Care
Partnership: Understanding Expectations, Rights and
Responsibilities."
National Family Caregivers
Association
10400 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 500
Kensington, MD 20895-3944
800-896-3650
www.nfcacares.org*
This organization's goal is to support family caregivers and
promote self-advocacy and self-care for caregivers. It provides
caregiving tips, educational materials, and a caregiver
newsletter.
* Links to external sites are provided solely
as a courtesy to our members.
Source: A LifeCareR Guide:
Hospitalization. Copyright 2009 LifeCare, Inc. All rights
reserved.
This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.
Copyright LifeCare®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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