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.