After-Hospital Care

After-hospital care that fits your needs is important. Make sure you understand what your hospital staff recommends for you. 

Home Healthcare — Care provided by professionals in your home to help maintain or restore health. Includes: 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. Visit Home Care for more information.

Independent Living — Communities with individual, private apartments or homes. Includes: meals, housekeeping, maintenance, social activities and possibly transportation. Visit Independent Living for more information.

Assisted Living — Individual units or apartments, usually in a long-term care facility. Includes: home and personal care services, as well as help managing health conditions and medicine routines—plus social activities and transportation. Medical staff is on-site 24 hours. Visit Assisted Care for more information.

Nursing Home — Long-term care facility for individuals 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 often available for people with Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss.

Some nursing homes also offer short-term rehabilitative stays for patients recovering from an injury or illness. Visit Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Care for more information.

Hospice — Care program that provides support for terminally ill patients and families in hospitals, facilities or homes, depending on the patient’s condition. Includes: 24-hour help with pain control, symptom management and emotional or spiritual support. Visit Hospice & Palliative Care for more information.

To get started evaluating or finding after-hospital care resources in your area, visit:

• Eldercare Locator:  eldercare.acl.gov
• National Respite Network and Resource Center:  www.archrespite.org