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Important Things to Know Before You* Go to the Hospital! * Or someone you know.

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Presentation on theme: "Important Things to Know Before You* Go to the Hospital! * Or someone you know."— Presentation transcript:

1 Important Things to Know Before You* Go to the Hospital! * Or someone you know

2 Overview Who Goes and Why? What your Doctor Doesn’t Know! Going, Going, Gone Before you Know it! Admitted or Observed? Following Through with the Plan

3 I am Just NOT Going! Persons aged 65+ had more hospitalizations than any other group 74% admitted through Emergency Room One of five go back into the hospital within 90 days of release! Mortality rate and length of stay are both higher with rehospitalization

4 Why Do Older Adults Go?

5 “Sicker and Quicker” People are in the hospital for much shorter times than ever before – Bypass? 2 days! Discharge doesn’t happen when you are healed Most of the care takes place by your hands and in your home

6 You May Need a Friend! Your hospital stay will not go as planned… You will receive care which you may not understand… You will have questions… You may not be heard… Have someone with you to help you listen to instructions and capture the facts!

7 Going Home is Important A successful hospital stay continues with a successful hospital release There are several things you and your family or friends can do while you are in the hospital to make your discharge successful Keeping track of just four things can make a difference in whether you go back to the hospital,

8 The First Priority—Medication Hospital stays can change what meds you take and how you take them Hospital staff will need to know what you take Always keep a current list of your medication in your wallet or purse

9 Managing Medications Before you leave the hospital get a current list of medicines, dose, and how to take it Ask about ALL medicines—those before the hospital as well as new ones added in the hospital Have a plan to keep them organized…

10 Ask Questions about Medicine What are they for? How should I take them? – With food/no food – Timing; when/how often – Mixed or separate; OTC – Crush or not – When to quit? Talk to your Doctor before discontinuing anything Take everything to one pharmacist for a good look!

11 The Second Priority—Warning Signs These are things that tell you that your condition is getting worse Before you leave ASK what you should watch for – Write it down! – Don’t leave the hospital without the list of danger symptoms

12 Warning Signs At the FIRST SIGN of a problem—tell someone or call the doctor Know your doctors’ telephone numbers and which one to call – Know who to call after hours and on the weekend You know your body— waiting to tell will only make things worse

13 The Third Priority—See Your Doctor The hospital may not inform your doctor about your hospitalization The hospital is most likely not going to call you or follow up with you to see how you are doing Your doctor may not even know you were in the hospital

14 Make the Call! You absolutely MUST see your primary care doctor within the week you leave the hospital When you call, tell the person who sets appointments that you just got out of the hospital If they tell you there are no openings, ask to speak to the nurse DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER Keep the appointment Write your questions down as you think of them before you go Make sure you have a ride!

15 Plan your Ride to the Doctor You may not be able to drive safely so be sure you plan how to get there… – Friends – Neighbors – Family Members – Volunteer – Faith Community – If eligible for Medicaid 676-6749 or 738-4554

16 The Fourth Priority—Make a Record Your health is your responsibility You are the most accurate source of information—only you know the whole story Healthcare professionals do not share your information with one another Keeping a record will provide a record for others when you are ill and treatment will be faster

17 Keep a Health Record Keep track of anything you think is important: – Illnesses or problems, dates, and treatments – Medications, including herbs and vitamins; any negative experiences – Hospital stays, dates, why you were there and what happened to you – Immunizations; oral health care, eye exams, mammograms, physicals Keep it out so you can keep it updated

18 It’s Your Job Don’t expect that your health information will be shared with other medical providers, even with electronic medical records If you hear misinformation, speak up! It is your information and your responsibility to keep it straight NOTICE! I am in charge of my medical care. If you have a question, ASK ME!

19 When You Leave the Hospital Be sure you have the information you need and do not leave without it Remember that you may not be able to do the same things as when you left home ASK FOR HELP!

20 Not Ready To Go? The hospital may try to discharge you before you feel ready to go. If so, call the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) 800-949-7536, (in Western Washington) before the end of the day of the planned discharge. Tell them you want an “expedited hearing” about your discharge. They will review the record and make a decision by noon of the following day.

21 Admitted or Observed? You came in through the Emergency Room. You were taken to a room, received medical care, tests, meals, and a toothbrush. You have been here for four days. You may be in OBSERVATION ASK if you are ADMITTED!

22 Three Is Your Lucky Number… Unless you have been admitted to the hospital for three days, MEDICARE will not pay for nursing home care. As you make plans for discharge, ASK if you have been in long enough to recover in a nursing home.

23 Home Might not Be Sweet If you have ANY questions about your ability to self care or manage with your caregiver, you may want to consider a very short stay in a nursing home until you get ready Medicare will pay for home health care if you are homebound, need skilled care, and have a doctor’s order ASK BEFORE you leave the hospital!

24 If You Need Help… There are many community agencies ready to help you and your caregiver Call Senior Information and Assistance for help with nearly any issue Call the Family Caregiver Support programs for tips with caregiving and assistance to find services and equipment

25 To Review… Get prepared before you need to go Get a health record set up Write down your medications Talk to close friends and family and identify an advocate to help you when you are not at your best Pack a “just in case” bag and include a list of things to remember – Warm socks – A toothbrush and paste – Your health record – A family picture – Two pairs of your best clean underwear

26 Don’t Put it Off 1.Medications 2.Warning Signs 3.Make an Appointment 4.Have a Health Record Planning now will assist you to heal later Discuss your plan your family or friends Remembering is as easy as 1,2,3,4! Call for help with planning or for a discharge coach 360-676-6749 800-585-6749

27 Watch for the Stepping Stones St. Joseph Hospital is supporting safe patient transitions from their hospital using the Stepping Stones label. Watch for this picture on materials developed by the hospital.

28 For More Information Caregiver Support is available by calling the Northwest Regional Council – Skagit—360-428-1301 – Whatcom—360-676-6749 Aging and Disability Resource Information is available by calling the Northwest Regional Council – Skagit—360-428-1301 – Whatcom—360-738-2500


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