PODCAST: When a Loved One Goes to the Hospital

As our parents or elderly loved ones begin to age, their conditions are more likely to result in a hospital visit, either at the emergency department or as an inpatient. Any level of admission can be extremely confusing and stressful for the patient and their families: What do they need to know? Who can help? What's the difference between being in the hospital for observation versus being admitted as a patient, and what are the ramifications of each of the scenarios? And, when it comes time for discharge, who can help put the pieces together?

In the Adult Children of Aging Parents’ (ACAPcommunity) latest podcast episode titled “When a Loved One Goes to the Hospital” Jonell Fields, Transitions of Care Manager at Catawba Valley Medical Center, tries to answer all of those questions and more. Jonell offers insights and information related to a variety of issues that often arise when an aging parent or loved one goes to the hospital.

Topics covered include:

  • Communicating with the parent/loved one and hospital staff,
  • Documents that may be needed,
  • Various hospital admissions levels, and
  • Planning for the discharge

Listen to “When a Love One Goes to the Hospital”

If you’re interested in learning more about the adult-child caregiver resources that are available here, locally, you’re in luck! Hickory has a local ACAPcommunity chapter (ACAP-Hickory) that offers FREE educational programs to adult-child caregivers, other family caregivers and professionals in the Hickory, NC area. Programs are held the second Tuesday of each month, 5:30-7pm, in the Fellowship Hall of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Hickory. Advance registration is strongly encouraged in order to facilitate planning. To register for ACAP-Hickory programs, please email Frances Hall or call, toll-free, 1-877-599-ACAP (1-877-599-2227).

ACAPcommunity is a nationally-unique 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to support adult-child caregivers as we care for our aging parents and for ourselves. ACAPcommunity provides information, resources, support and community for those caring for a loved one. Although designed specifically for adult-children caring for aging parents, ACAPcommunity programs are open to all who are interested.

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