After-Hospital Care
Quick Guide to Recovery Options for After Your Stay
If you need more care after leaving the hospital, getting services that meet your needs is important. Make sure you understand what your hospital care team recommends for you. After-care options include:
Home Care
Care provided by professionals in your home to help maintain or restore health. This can be temporary care from medical professionals that your insurance or Medicare pays for or care from a private caregiver you hire. Can include: home care services such as housekeeping and meal preparation; personal care services such as bathing, dressing, or eating; and healthcare services such as physical therapy or skilled nursing.
Independent Living
Communities with individual, private apartments or homes. May include: meals, housekeeping, maintenance, social activities, and possibly transportation. Healthcare services like skilled nursing not usually included.
Assisted Living
Communities with individual units or apartments for seniors who need help with daily activities and healthcare, including bathing, dressing, getting on and off the toilet or out of bed, taking medications, and managing health conditions. Social activities and transportation to medical appointments may be provided. Staff is on-site 24/7.
Nursing Home
Long-term care facility for those who don’t need a hospital but can’t be cared for at home. Includes: all daily living and personal care services, 24-hour skilled nursing care, plus social activities and events. Special units are often available for people with Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss.
Hospice
A care program that provides support for terminally ill patients and families in hospitals, facilities, or homes. Includes: 24-hour help with pain control and symptom management, as well as emotional and spiritual support.
To get started finding or evaluating after-hospital care resources in your area, visit:
- Eldercare Locator: eldercare.acl.gov
- National Respite Network and Resource Center: archrespite.org
- Medicare – Care Compare: medicare.gov/care-compare
- The Joint Commission: qualitycheck.org
Your hospital case manager or social worker can also provide a list of organizations in your area that offer the services you need.
Insurance Tip
Contact your insurance provider, Medicare, or Medicaid to find out what care and services are covered for you and to get help with costs.