National Case Management Week
At the end of a hospital stay, or any time that a person’s condition or health status is changing, the amount of input from different sources can be overwhelming. New instructions about medication, safety, activity level, diet, and necessary services comes fast and furious. Patient or caregivers may believe it’s up to them to retain everything and take all next steps. But with so much to recall, it’s no wonder that medications can be missed or follow-up appointments unscheduled — or that as many as 1 in 5 Medicare patients can wind up back in the hospital within 30 days of discharge.
But there is a secret-weapon clinician who excels at keeping continuity in check. For National Case Management Week (October 11-17), Residential Home Health recognizes the stellar work that case managers do to ensure that patient care stays on track.
Oversight and Connection
A case manager focuses on a patient’s complete picture. This involves careful assessment of health history, status, and care needs, before planning future treatment goals and a plan to continue positive progress. Communication is an essential component of the work — beginning with understanding the patient’s unique needs and preferences, and extending to the many providers who are also invested in the patient’s success. Scheduling and equipment orders may be among the arrangements a case manager could make, depending on the specific situation.
Education and Preparation
In addition to helping to navigate various aspects of the healthcare system, case managers also work with patients and caregivers to equip them to self-manage their conditions. Taking time to engender understanding and comfort with their medication regimens and physician instructions helps to empower patients. And indeed, a recent report showed that patients who felt ‘ready’ to leave the hospital had better results and more satisfaction post-discharge.
Supportive Transition
For instances where a transition between care settings is necessary, case managers have the skills and drive to make smooth handoffs, without gaps in care or support. In this respect, Residential Home Health clinicians collaborate with case managers every day, working cooperatively to arrange timely and appropriate home health care services in the best interests of the patient. With the concerted efforts of case managers, our patients — and theirs — are no doubt better off for their strict attention and tireless coordination.
No matter what your health challenge may be, Residential offers a range of services to help you work toward your health goals safely at home. Call (888)930-WELL (9355) to discuss your specific situation with a Home Care Specialist today, or click the image below to take our 60-second, 15-question Home Care Assessment.
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