When being discharged from the hospital, a high percentage of people face emotions such as anxiety and fear, which can make the process of transitioning from hospital care to safe and adequate home care overwhelming. However, if an effective strategy is put into place before discharge, it doesn’t have to feel that way. As a physician with over 35 years of experience in emergency, palliative, and end-of-life care, I have helped hundreds of people plan for a smooth transition from hospital to home and receive the coordinated care they need to be safe and comfortable.

When you are living with a complex or terminal illness, it can be so meaningful to be at home, in familiar surroundings, and around family and friends. Leaving the hospital or another care facility can be scary and stressful because there is limited access to adequate and responsive in-home medical care that can ensure that you or your loved one is comfortable and safe. A few of the questions that might keep you awake at night when you or a loved one is preparing to transition home from the hospital are:

Answering these questions and developing a strategy before being discharged from the hospital will help ensure a smooth transition to home care.

Actively participating in the hospital-to-home........

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