Transitioning Care
We support you through the transition process for a seamless level of care
Many patients need to transition from one healthcare setting to another. For instance, they may be receiving treatment in a hospital, but need to transition from this setting to their home. It is vital that there is a continuity of healthcare services during the transition period, otherwise the level of care provided can be unsatisfactory or inconsistent. It is particularly important that older adults receive high quality transitional care, especially those with serious medical issues, such as motor neurone disease
It is common for older adults to move around care, so they may frequently move from home to the hospital. Our transitioning care ensures that the level of care remains consistent, so as not to comprise the health of the patient. If you do not receive high quality transitioning care, there is every chance that your need for rehospitalisation will increase, which is the last thing we want for you.
What influences transitioning care?
There are many reasons why transitioning care may not live up to expectations. It is
often the case that two different care settings fail to communicate well, and this leads
to a breakdown in communication. A breakdown in communication can be extremely
problematic, as the consequences could be severe. For instance, if the hospital fails
to inform care givers of the necessary medication the patient requires, it could result
in them not receiving the level of care they need. It can also lead to confusion, as the
patient may not be informed of who their single point of contact may be, and the
family may not receive the right level of education to be able to look after their loved
one properly. When language and cultural differences come into play too, as they
often do, it can make the issues even more complex.
What we do to support transitioning care
There are various ways we support transitioning care. Firstly, we ensure that we
communicate with the relevant organisations, such as the NHS, so that we are well
informed of the client’s condition, and what we can do to fully support them in their
care and recovery. We also train our carers in dealing with transitioning care, and
ensuring our clients are always kept safe and comfortable. If you consider the level
of stress that can be caused by moving a client from home to the hospital and back
again, we want to ensure this is as straightforward and painless as possible. This
involves good training, and keeping the patient informed at every stage of the
process. Our main concern is the safety and comfort of our client’s, and it doesn’t
just come down to the process itself, but by informing them, we ensure they are not
left feeling confused, which can lead to other issues.
We also communicate with the family, particularly any caregivers and inform them of how to deal with their loved one during the transitioning process and thereafter.
Engaging with them is key, and this is our priority. We want to ensure that they are
never left ill-informed or not informed at all, and we do this by engaging at every
stage. We will never make decisions on transitioning care, without speaking to family members, where relevant, and seeking their agreement. We understand how
stressful it is to see a family member in pain, and the last thing we want to do is to add to that burden.
The importance of transitioning care
When patients are changing the settings they receive their care, it is vital that they receive transitioning care while they make the change. The reasons for this are that it ensures continuity of care. For instance, if they move from a hospital to their home
to receive their care, it is vital that the carers and nurses are notified of their
medication needs and the state of their condition. This ensures that their health is
not compromised in any way. Other reasons are that helps reduce anxiety and stress
from changing settings. Patients are often apprehensive about making such a big
change, and they need the reassurance that they will still receive the same level of
care that they are used to. Overall, transitioning care ensures that the patient stays as healthy and comfortable as possible, and this is what we aim to do with the
transitioning care at Harmony Healthcare. Our priority is ensuring that you receive
the right level of transitioning care, at the right time and to suit your tailored needs.
Transitioning care case study
Mary has a severe spinal injury and this has worsened over time, to the point that she is now required to use a wheelchair. Due to the pain, she was suffering from, and her mobility issues, she has been in hospital for the last 12 months. She is now being transferred to her home to receive the care and has called upon our care services to help. It is our responsibility to ensure this is a smooth transition. Together with a multidisciplinary team, we worked together to devise a plan that would help Mary transition as smoothly as possible from the hospital to her home.
This included, ensuring she had a home that was specifically designed for her mobility needs prior to transitioning and that there was a continuity in the care she was given, including medication. Mary was introduced to the carer, so she was able to build a rapport before she settled back into her home. Mary is now living in her home, feeling more comfortable and happier than she has in years. She adores her carer, they both get on like a house on fire, and she looks forward to the visits. She unfortunately, does not have any family but the carer helps to brighten up her days.
Transitioning Care FAQ's
How does transitioning care work?
With transitioning care, there would be a range of services and environments
involved that help a patient move safely and comfortably from one setting to another.
For instance, someone moving from the hospital to their home to receive care. The
purpose of transitioning care is to ensure that the patient continues to receive high
levels of health care across the settings, and that the transition is completed in a
timely, orderly manner.
Why do you need transitioning care?
The main reason for transitioning care is to ensure continuity of health care. It helps
ensure patients are moved seamlessly from one care setting to another.
What does transitioning care consist of?
There are various elements which make up transitioning care, including the
management of medication from one setting to another, ensuring the patient
receives the right medication at the right time. A medication management plan that
ensures all parties are confident about what the patient needs, and when. Educating the family about the care is also important, especially when a patient is moving to the home to receive their care. The transition of information is also vital and making sure
everyone has all the information they need to be able to ensure the highest level of
care is provided to the patient.
Who is eligible for transitioning care?
Anyone moving from one care setting to another is eligible for transitioning care. At
Harmony Healthcare, we deal with the transition from a care setting to the home. We
help ensure that moving to the home from another care setting is as simple as
possible, with minimal upheaval or stress for the patient.