When your loved one is moving from one care setting to another, it’s natural to be concerned about their well-being. Transitioning between two locations can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when they leave the hospital or clinic to go home. Transition home care ensures your loved one’s needs are met throughout the transition. 

What is Transition Home Care?

When your loved one is released from the hospital or care clinic, you may wonder, “Who cares for them now?” Transition home care ensures a safe continuity of care during the transition to their home. This care is critical for your loved one’s well-being and functioning after an injury or illness. It allows them to heal at home while giving you peace of mind in knowing there’s someone there caring for and looking after them.

Understanding Transition Care Management

Transition Care Management (TCM) is a program created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). With TCM, Medicare covers the costs of transition care. Coverage from TCM starts when your loved one is discharged from care settings, such as the hospital, and it typically lasts 30 days.

Patients can see a 86% decrease in the odds of rehospitalization under this program. It’s wise to take advantage of TCM if your loved one needs it. 

When is Transition Care Needed?

You may wonder if your loved one truly needs transition care. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you’re worried about your loved one and their ability to do daily tasks or be alone, then transition care is what you need. 

Transition care is needed:

  • After Hospitalization. When patients need immediate help recovering from surgery or other medical procedures, transition home care provides them with assistance and oversight as they recover at home.
  • During Complex Care or Recovery. If your loved one requires complex care, transition home care can assist them in a way that allows them to maintain their independence while receiving the help they need.
  • When a Patient is Alone. When your loved one lives alone and needs additional support, a caregiver can provide companionship, help around the house, and manage their health.
  • If the Family Needs Extra Support. If you’re caring for your loved one, you know how taxing and time-consuming it can be — especially when you have a full-time job and other responsibilities. Caregivers alleviate some of the pressure, giving you more time in the day to tend to your personal to-do list.
  • When Professional Expertise is Necessary. Sometimes, your loved one needs more support than you and your other family members can offer. When they have complex needs that require specialized knowledge, transition home care can fill in the gaps. 

In all cases, transition home care helps your loved one heal at home, which likely will make them more comfortable and move toward renewed independence. 

How Professional Caregivers Help with Transition Care 

Professional caregivers help your loved one live comfortably at home while they recover from an injury or illness. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe and well cared for in the comfort of their own home. 

Caregivers help with:

  • Providing proper transition methods and planning
  • Preventing care shortfalls 
  • Helping avoid patient rehospitalization by reminding them of their doctor’s orders
  • Helping with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, cooking meals, and light housework
  • Providing medication reminders and documenting when medications are taken
  • Establishing a strong communication chain between the patient, physicians, and family 
  • Running errands, if necessary
  • Providing emotional support and companionship
  • Preparing the patient for returning to daily life 

With the help of a professional caregiver, your loved one can focus on their recovery, and you can fulfill your other responsibilities knowing they’re not alone. The caregiver can also help keep open communication going among all of the members of your loved one’s care team.

Benefits of Transition Home Care

As your loved one transitions from the hospital or clinic to their home, it can be a big change. There are many benefits to hiring a professional caregiver to help your loved one during this transitional period.

Transitional home care benefits include:

  • Activities of daily living assistance, allowing your loved one to live more independently as they recover from an injury or illness 
  • Companionship and emotional support to help your loved one through their challenging transition 
  • Reminders for following care instructions to ensure your loved one is recovering optimally 
  • Medication reminders to help your loved one remember to take their medications at the right times 
  • Managing diet to improve health and mitigate any further medical issues 
  • Monitoring health and disposition to report any issues back to your loved one’s physicians and healthcare providers

With the right caregiver, you can feel confident that your loved one will be safe and comfortable during this time of transition. 

Transition with Providence

Providence Home Care has been helping Oklahomans recover in the comfort of their own homes since 2002. We’ll ensure your loved one receives the best care, maintaining their independence while healing. Contact us today to get the in-home help you need.

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