Transitioning a loved one between a hospital and a nursing home can be challenging at best. Family members are often faced with questions about financing options and Medicare coverage, as well as legal documents and requirements for admission.
To help facilitate improved communication between health care providers and families, area hospitals and long term care facilities have joined efforts to form a Long Term Care Community Coalition. Saint Anthony’s Health Center leads the planning efforts in the Coalition with area hospitals and nursing homes. The Coalition will meet semi-annually, with the first formal meeting set for September 9 at Saint Anthony’s Health Center.
“When working with patients and family members on long term care placement, we find that many similar issues surface,” says Kim Maple-Colley, LSCW, (pictured on the right) Lead Social Worker at Saint Anthony’s Health Center who is spearheading the Coalition efforts along with Patty Orris, Director of Care Management at Saint Anthony’s. “As health care providers, our responsibility is to ensure a smooth transition for patients from the hospital to a long term care facility and much of these efforts include communicating the needs of the patients to that next care provider.”
One of the first projects the Coalition is working on is an information guide for patients and families that include basic tips for skilled and long-term care planning.
For more information about the Coalition, call Kim Maple-Colley at 618-465-4522.