Glossary

What is Hospital discharge planning?

Discharge planning is the process of arranging where a patient goes and what care they get when they leave hospital, done by a hospital discharge planner or social worker.

For a person with dementia, a hospital stay often ends with a sudden need for more care than before. The discharge planner is supposed to arrange it, but the timeline is short and the family is expected to make decisions fast.

You are entitled to ask for a safe discharge, to see the plan in writing, and to appeal a Medicare discharge you believe is too early.

Why it matters

More families arrange in-home care for the first time in the 48 hours after a discharge than at any other point.

What we offer: Hospital Discharge Care.

Hospital discharge planning where you live

The local guide on this, for each city we cover.

Related terms

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