20 Aug You Have a Choice: Request the Home Care Provider You Know and Trust

Going Home After a Hospital Stay? Remember: You Have a Choice in Your Home Care Provider.

After a hospitalization or nursing home stay, there is often a lot to think about. You may be focused on getting home, recovering, managing medications, scheduling follow-up appointments, and making sure you have the help you need.

If you need home health care or home care services after leaving the hospital/nursing home, there is something important you should know:

You may have a choice about which home care provider you use.

If you have worked with a home care agency in the past and had a positive experience, you can ask to use that same provider again.

Don’t assume the hospital/nursing home has already chosen for you.

When you’re preparing for discharge, hospital/nursing home staff may discuss home health or home care options with you. Sometimes, patients and families may be presented with a particular agency or a list of agencies without realizing that they can request a provider they already know and trust.

If you have a preferred home care provider, speak up and ask for them.

For example, you can say:

“I’ve used Precision Home Care before, and I would like to use them again for my home care services.”

Your preference should be communicated to the hospital/nursing home’s discharge planning, social work or case management team.

Why choosing a familiar provider can make a difference:

Returning home after an illness or hospitalization can be challenging. Having a home care provider that already knows you, your needs, and your preferences can provide an added level of comfort and continuity.

If you’ve worked with an agency before, they may already be familiar with:

• Your care needs and routines
• Your preferences and goals
• Your home environment
• Your family or caregiver situation
• What services have worked well for you in the past

That familiarity can make the transition from the hospital back home feel a little less overwhelming.

Ask about your options BEFORE you leave the hospital/nursing home.

If you think you may need home health or home care following your hospitalization, don’t wait until you’re already home to ask questions.

During your hospital stay, ask to speak with the case manager, social worker, or discharge planner.

You can ask:

“What home care options are available to me?”

And if you already have an agency in mind:

“I would like to use the same home care provider I have used previously. Can you make that referral?”

If your physician has recommended home health care, you can also let your healthcare team know which agency you prefer.

You are your own best advocate

Hospitalizations can be overwhelming, particularly for older adults and their families. It’s easy to simply agree with whatever arrangements are presented because you trust the professionals caring for you.

But asking questions is not being difficult.

It’s being an advocate for yourself.

You have the right to ask about your choices and to communicate your preferences regarding your care.

If you have had a home care provider that you trust, don’t be afraid to ask for them by name.

A familiar face can make going home easier.

At Precision Home Care, we understand that returning home after a hospitalization or nursing home stay can be a vulnerable time. Our goal is to help make that transition as smooth, safe, and comfortable as possible.

If you or your loved one has used Precision Home Care in the past and needs services following a hospitalization, let your hospital discharge team know that you would like Precision Home Care involved in your care.

If you or a loved one is preparing to return home and you’re unsure what type of home care may be appropriate, talk with your healthcare provider or discharge planning team about your options.