Family Questions: The First Thirty Days
Coping with the Transition

Issues Unique to Short-Term Patients

What To Expect From Therapy

How long will my wife be in therapy? How soon before we see some improvement? Are you sure she'll improve enough to go home?

The person who can best answer these and other questions pertaining to your wife's stay in the short-term care unit of the nursing facility is the social worker assigned to her case. Although much depends on the progress your wife makes in the days ahead, many of your questions will center on "hows" and "whys" that come up all the time. Social workers are trained to handle both the issues that arise during your relative's stay at the nursing facility, and the ramifications of her return home.

What To Expect At Discharge

What happens when Grandma's discharged?

Just as your grandmothers progress is monitored continually, so, too, is her potential for discharge. The social worker will keep your grandmother informed as to when she's likely to be released, and will also inform you and other family representatives of what that will entail.

Once her physician can estimate a release date, the nursing facility staff will get with your grandmother to plan her discharge. Some facilities even have discharge planning teams to smooth the transition back home.

When we take Dad home, who is responsible for arranging for home health care and medical equipment?

The social worker assigned to your father will discuss with him his upcoming discharge. In cooperation with the nursing facility staff, she will schedule any in-home therapy that is prescribed, as well as make arrangements for any medical equipment your father may require.

Dad is really depressed. How can I help him realize that he's only here for a little while?

If you're certain he will be returning home soon, motivate your father-in-law by linking his achievements with going home. For example, praise the 30 steps he takes without his cane as a major step toward his total rehabilitation.

Mom seems so unsteady. Is she really ready for home?

Your mother's physician will not release her until he feels she's ready. That does not mean that further therapy is not in order, or that she'll feel up to snuff as soon as she gets back home. It does mean, however, that based on a careful assessment of your mother's condition and on the progress she has made since her admission, he feels she will make better progress at home.

Making The Transition From Short- To Long-Term Care

Can we bring my mother back if we discover after discharge that we just can't take care of her at home?

Every state has different admissions requirements. Contact the administrator of the nursing facility to see whether your mother's situation meets the criteria. You might also contact her primary physician, since a recommendation from a doctor is a prerequisite for admission.

If my aunt never recovers sufficiently to go home, will we eventually have to move her somewhere else or can we just switch her from short- to long-term care?

Your aunt's medical condition will determine whether she qualifies for admission to the long-term care section of the nursing facility. While her health has been monitored since the moment of her admission by her attending physician, her social worker, and the nursing facility's staff, any of the three should be able to discuss your aunt's options with her.

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