Being discharged from the hospital can feel like a major milestone after an accident, surgery, or illness. For families and caregivers, though, discharge means the beginning of the healing journey at home. Helping a loved one transition from hospital to home can require a lot more than filling prescriptions and offering rides to follow-up appointments. With a bit of planning and patience, you can leverage a transition care program to make sure your loved one’s recovery stays on track.
Working with a transitional care program can make a big difference during this critical period of time. East Adams Rural Healthcare’s transitional care services bridge the gap between hospital and home by offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, and personalized care planning close to home.
Whether you are using our in-house transitional care services or plan on managing care at home, here’s what you need to know to support your loved one through this transition.
Learn More About Our Transitional Care Services
What Is a Transition Care Program?
A transition care program (or transitional care program) is designed to support patients who aren’t quite ready to return home after an extended hospital stay but no longer need acute care. They offer short-term stays with access to skilled nursing services, often in the hospital itself, where patients can receive rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing support while they continue to heal. Programs like these are more common in rural hospitals like EARH, where outpatient facilities may be unavailable or far away.
A transitional care program uses swing bed services to provide:
- 24/7 nursing care
- Medication and symptom management
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Ongoing coordination with providers and specialists
This type of care reduces the risk of a patient being readmitted to the hospital. More than that, however, these vital services can help build a patient’s confidence about returning home and caring for themselves independently.
What Should Caregivers Expect During a Transition Period?
As a family member or caregiver, you play a key role in helping your loved one adjust to life after hospitalization, whether they are recovering in our facility or at home. While the care team will be there to support both you and the patient, knowing what to expect ahead of time can help prepare you for what’s coming and reduce anxiety about how to help your loved one.
Your role starts before your loved one leaves the hospital. Discharge planning begins while the patient is still in professional care. The EARH team works alongside each family to create a plan that includes therapy schedules, medication routines, follow-up appointments, and safety recommendations for the home.
Depending on the needs of your loved one, you may be involved in:
- Learning how to assist with basic care of mobility needs
- Coordination with home health providers or outpatient therapists
- Managing prescriptions and tracking dosage
- Communication with your loved one’s medical team
While this may sound like a lot, you won’t have to handle it alone. The East Adams team will be there to support both patients and caregivers throughout the transition process.
Tips for Supporting Loved Ones Through a Transition Period
Providing support during recovery can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in the caregiver role. Here are a few tips that can help make it a little easier for everyone:
- Prepare the home environment. Make sure the space is safe and comfortable. Remove tripping hazards, install mobility aids if needed, and arrange furniture so it’s easier for your loved one to get around.
- Get familiar with their medications. Ask the care team to review your loved one’s prescriptions and schedules. Use a pill organizer or reminder app to stay on track.
- Encourage independence. When appropriate, let your loved one participate in their own care. This can help rebuild their strength and make them more confident about caring for themselves in the long run.
One of the most important things you can do as a caregiver is knowing when to ask for help. Recovery can be frustrating (for both of you!). If you feel overwhelmed, unsure, or just need encouragement, the transitional care team at EARH is here for you. Call us whenever you have any questions or if something seems wrong—we’ll help you find answers.
How Our Transition Care Program Supports the Ones You Love
EARH’s transition care program is rooted in compassion, communication, and convenience. Our swing bed services allow patients to continue their recovery right here in Ritzville, avoiding the need to travel far or transfer to an unfamiliar facility. Patients can stay closer to family in familiar surroundings with those who know them well.
Whether your loved one is recovering from surgery, injury, or illness, EARH’s transitional care program will be the crucial stepping stone between hospital and home. And as a caregiver, you’ll never have to feel like you are doing it alone.
Learn more about our transitional care program and see if it may be the right option for you or a loved one.
