Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital is committed to providing quality healthcare services to patients during their stay, and this includes assisting them with a plan of care after discharge. Discharge planning can help relieve the anxiety many families feel when considering post-hospital care and arrangements.

Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital assists patients by providing information, help with decision-making and coordinating services needed for post-hospital care. If needed, assistance in making arrangements for transportation is available. Patients are encouraged to make any arrangements the night before discharge, if known.

In an effort to make sure patients can take care of themselves once home, patients are encouraged to address any concerns they may have while still in the hospital with their nurse, case manager, or social worker.

Patients can speak with any member of their healthcare team about any fears or anxieties they may have during their stay, or about any adjustments they might have to make after their stay. Every nursing unit  uses a team approach to assure continuity of care. These experienced professionals can help restore peace of mind and prepare patients to return home with confidence while referring patients to any needed services.

Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance will approve and pay for hospital stays only until you or your family member is considered medically stable. This does not always coincide with a patient’s feeling of “ready” to go home. Rehabilitation and ongoing daily care needs must be met outside the hospital setting. Therefore, each patient should think about their own support systems and the challenges in their home. One or more of the following discharge options might best meet your needs.

You may be discharged to:

• Directly home with intermittent home-care services
• Home with hospice 
• Acute rehabilitation
• Assisted living
• An intermediate care facility (nursing home)
• Long term acute care hospital