Patient Guidebook - Quick Reference

We recommend saving this quick reference to your smart phone’s home page. [Instructions how to do that]

When using our hospital phones, just dial the number for outside calls.

When calling a number inside the hospital, dial *5 then the last four digits of the department's phone number.

• Main number: (972) 547-8000
• Main campus ER: (972) 540-4700
• Medical City ER Stonebridge: (469) 408-1400
• Billing hotline: (866) 656-8784
• Case management: (972) 547-8176
• Financial counseling: (972) 540-4216
• Gift shop: (972) 540-4992
• Human resources: (972) 547-8183 or (972) 540-4269
• Medical records: (972) 547-8179
• Patient room/hospital operator: (972) 547-8000
• Physician referral: (855) 790-3627
• Security: (972) 547-4634

MyHealthOne is our online patient portal where you can view your personal health information 24 hours a day. It empowers you and your loved ones to have more control and flexibility in managing your healthcare.

MyHealthOne allows you to:

• View your medical records
• See lab results and radiology reports
• Get details of recent hospital visits
• Find doctors
• Preregister for hospital procedures
• Make appointments
• Pay your hospital bills

Enroll online — it’s free.

Staff descriptions

Doctors

The doctor who admits you is responsible for directing your care while you are in the hospital.

Hospitalists

In some situations, your treatment program may be provided by a hospitalist. Hospitalists are doctors who help manage patients through the continuum of hospital care, often seeing patients in the emergency department, following them into the critical care unit and organizing post-acute care.

Nurses

A team of professional registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse assistants provide 24-hour nursing care. You will be assigned to a floor with staff specially trained to care for you, depending upon your nursing needs. A nurse manager is responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care on each unit. If you have any questions or concerns about your nursing care, contact the nurse manager or dial 0 and ask for the nursing supervisor. A nursing supervisor is available 24 hours a day.

Rehabilitation therapists

Physical therapists, speech pathologists and audiologists will work with you, your family and your medical team to help meet goals of recovery. Therapy may range from brief consultation to long-term intervention, based on the extent of your injuries or illness.

Technicians and technologists

Skilled health professionals perform and assist with laboratory and other procedures, including X-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, cardiac catheterization, radiation therapy and other procedures that help in diagnosing and treating your illness or injury.

Pharmacists

While you are in the hospital, our pharmacists will dispense all of your medications. They can answer any questions you have regarding your medications.

Dietitians

We maintain a staff of registered dietitians who work to make sure that your nutritional needs are addressed during your stay and your diet is appropriate for your medical condition. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your diet, meals, supplements, tube or intravenous feedings.

Case management and social services

A case manager or a social worker is assigned to each patient area and is available to assist you and your family to determine your posthospital care needs. Services include counseling and discharge planning, such as referrals to home health, long-term care or rehabilitation facilities, as well as ordering durable medical equipment and transportation. They will also provide follow-up with community, governmental and private agencies. For more information, please call the case management office at (972) 547-6444.

Pastoral services

We believe that total patient care includes your spiritual, as well as your physical and emotional, care. A hospital chaplain and community clergy are here for you and your loved ones, whatever your religious tradition. Your priest, minister, rabbi or imam is always welcome to visit. The chapel is located on the first floor.

Volunteers

Volunteers supplement the services of the hospital staff in many ways and can be identified by their uniform and name tags.

Other personnel

Many other healthcare professionals, including personnel from the laboratory, cardiopulmonary, radiology and physical/ occupational therapy, may visit you. In addition, the Medical City McKinney team includes many behind-the-scenes workers, such as accountants, engineers, secretaries, food service workers and others who contribute greatly toward your well-being.

The colors that identify our staff

Our doctors, nurses and staff will treat you and your loved ones as partners in your care. One important way that you can be involved is to ask questions, voice your concerns and talk about your care, treatment and overall hospital services.

• Speak up. Don't be afraid to ask questions until you understand.
• Pay attention to the care you get. You are a part of your healthcare team, so be aware of your care.
• Educate yourself about your illness. Understand your diagnosis, treatments and tests. Take notes and write down any questions you may have.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate. They can help you remember questions to ask.
• Know your medicines and why you take them. Keep a list of your meds with you, as well as any allergies or reactions you may have.
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment. Being aware of your care is the best way to prevent errors.

Be aware of your care.

Calling your nurse

The button to call your nurse is located at your bedside. When you press the button, the nurse’s station is alerted that you need assistance. A staff member will respond to your call as soon as possible.

Room assignment

Your room assignment is based on your admitting diagnosis and the bed availability on the day of your admission. We offer private and semi-private rooms. Every possible effort is made to provide you with the type of room you desire. If you are unable to have the room you prefer upon admission, a transfer will be made as soon as that type of room is available.

Your hospital bed

Hospital beds are electrically operated, and your nurse will show you how to work your bed properly. Your hospital bed is probably higher and narrower than your bed at home. Bedside rails are for your protection. They may be raised at night or during the day if you’re resting, recovering from surgery or taking certain medications.

Internet/Wi-Fi

Ask your nurse for assistance with Wi-Fi.

Room temperature

All rooms in the hospital are heated and airconditioned. If your room temperature is not comfortable, please let your nurse know.

Telephone

Telephones are provided in all patient rooms except the ICU. You can receive calls in your room and make local calls by dialing the 10-digit number. You can also make longdistance calls by using a calling card or by calling collect. For assistance, please call the hospital operator by dialing 0.

Television

Televisions are provided in each patient room. Please be considerate of others by keeping the TV volume down and turning off your TV at bedtime.

Housekeeping services

Our housekeeping staff cleans your room daily. If you have a housekeeping problem, tell your nurse and it will be taken care of as soon as possible.

Mail and flowers

Volunteers deliver letters, packages, and flowers each morning. Letters and packages that arrive after you have been discharged are forwarded to your home. Outgoing mail may be left at the nurse’s station or given to a volunteer.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available at the front desk. Please ask the volunteers for help getting a wheelchair. Ask our hospital staff for help getting in or out of a wheelchair.

Gift shop

The gift shop is on the first floor and is open Monday through Friday with limited weekend hours. It has gift items, flowers, jewelry, greeting cards, candy and toiletries. Funds from the gift shop support scholarships, local charities and various needs throughout the community.

Pond

Medical City McKinney’s campus features a pond with a walking path as part of our goal to enhance the overall wellbeing of you, your loved ones and our staff. The reflective water and wildlife may foster a sense of calm for you and your loved ones during a difficult journey.

Meditation chapel

Our meditation chapel is located on the first floor. Visitors of all faiths are welcome for prayer and quiet reflection.

Patient meals

Medical City McKinney provides you with nutritious, well-balanced meals made with fresh ingredients. Our patient support ambassadors will visit daily so you can choose selections from our room service menu. You can also call Ext. 4482 for help.

Serving times

Meal delivery times may vary but are typically:

Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Dinner: 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Occasionally, your meal may be delayed because of the timing of a special test or treatment. Whenever possible, you will be served promptly following your examination or test.

We modify our menu according to the nutritional needs your doctor specifies. If you need help eating your meal, please notify your nurse.

Subway

Visitors are welcome to dine at Subway, located in the cafeteria.

Hours: Open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cafeteria

Visitors are welcome to dine in the Market Café located in the first floor lobby.

Breakfast: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed evenings, weekends and holidays

Vending machines

Snacks and beverages are available 24 hours a day in vending machines.

Locations:

• Cafeteria
• First floor in the emergency department lobby
• Second floor outside of NICU waiting room
• Fourth floor lobby near case management

Medical City McKinney is not responsible for any stolen or lost valuables.

Medical City McKinney is a tobacco-free campus. Patients, staff and visitors are asked not to use tobacco products (including smokeless or electronic) inside or out.

What is rapid response?

Rapid response teams are sometimes called to quickly check the condition of a patient, provide early and rapid intervention to a patient whose condition may be deteriorating and to provide support to the staff.

If you or your family feel you are in distress, you can ask your primary nurse or charge nurse for a rapid response team. Once the assessment team is activated, designated team members should respond within five minutes.

When should you call rapid response?

• If you notice a change in the heart rate or drop in blood pressure
• If you notice any change in breathing or oxygen levels
• If you notice a change in mental status (such as confusion or irritability) or level of consciousness
• If you have any other serious concerns about your or your loved one's condition

All medications you take while in the hospital are prescribed by your doctor, dispensed by the hospital pharmacy and administered by your nurse. For safety reasons, you aren’t allowed to take medicine on your own or keep your personal medication at your bedside, unless approved by your doctor.

Your doctor may prescribe medicine for you while you are in the hospital. Do you know the what, why and how of your new medicine?

• What is the name of this medicine, and does the name sound like any other meds I may already be taking? What are the possible side effects? What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Why has this medicine been prescribed, why am I taking it?
• How much do I take? How often do I take it? How long do I take it?

What else should I know?

• Should I take this medicine with meals, on an empty stomach, with food or water?
• Should I take this medicine while taking other medications or dietary supplements?
• Should I avoid any foods, drinks or activities while taking this medicine?

More tips

• Set an alarm to remind you to take your meds.
• Use the medicine minder on the next page to keep track of your meds, strengths and dosages.

Help prevent medicine errors

Make a list and tell your doctor about medicines you are taking:

• Prescriptions
• Over-the-counter drugs
• Herbal, vitamin or natural remedies
• Recreational drugs

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to medicines, anesthesia, foods or latex. Medical alert tags show your allergies, if you are diabetic or on blood thinners. Medical alert tags can be found at your local pharmacy.

Right ID, right care. Be sure that any medicines, procedures or lab tests ordered match the name and birth date on your ID band.

Look-alike, sound-alike drugs

Some medications look and sound like others you may be taking, or have just been prescribed.

Example: Celebrex, Cerebyx and Celexa are brand names that look alike if you just glance at the label.

Example: Tramadol, trazodone and toradol are generic names that also look alike at a glance.

Look closely at medicine labels. Know what you are taking, (brand name and generic name), why the medicine has been prescribed and how to take it.

Drug interactions

Sometimes different over-the-counter or prescription medicines contain the same active ingredients.

So, if you take more than one medicine at the same time, it's possible to take too much of the same active ingredient.

Read the label carefully to find out exactly what you're taking.

When in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist. It's simple. Read the label.

Just because a drug is sold without a prescription doesn't mean it isn't serious medicine.

Make a medicine reference

Write the name of each medicine you take, why you take it and when. Add new medicines as they are prescribed and mark off medicines if they have been discontinued. Bring your reference with you to appointments and hospitalizations. Keep your list updated. Ask your healthcare professional to assist you.

Anticoagulants are medicines that help prevent the clotting of blood. They are sometimes called blood thinners, but they do not actually thin the blood. Instead, they prevent new clots from forming or stop existing clots from becoming bigger. Clots can block blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke.

Types of anticoagulants

• Warfarin (Coumadin) helps keep your blood from clotting. This is an oral medication and should be taken at the same time each day. Blood tests are done to determine if your treatment plan is correct. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) value determines how long it takes your blood to clot.
• Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is commonly used after knee, hip or abdominal surgeries. Enoxaparin is injected under the skin.
• Heparin prevents clotting during open-heart surgery or dialysis, or in people who are confined to bed. This medication is given by injection under the skin or infusion into a vein.

Safety tips for using anticoagulants

• Take your anticoagulants exactly the way your doctor tells you.
• Tell your other doctors and dentists that you are taking anticoagulants.
• Do not take aspirin or antiinflammatories such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Aleve) with anticoagulants unless your doctor tells you to.
• Ask your doctor before taking anything else, including vitamins, cold medicine, digestive aids, sleeping pills or antibiotics. These can make anticoagulants more or less potent, which can be dangerous.
• Avoid alcohol and cranberry juice while taking Coumadin/warfarin.
• Tell your support person how you take your medicine.
• Carry an emergency medical ID card or ID bracelet that states you take anticoagulants.
• Use an electric razor instead of a regular razor blade.
• Use a soft toothbrush that is not as likely to damage your gums.

When taking your medicine

• Please take your pills as directed. You must take the pills only on the days your doctor tells you to. The amount of Coumadin/warfarin each person needs is different. The dose is based on your INR. This medicine needs to be taken at the same time, usually in the evening.
• Never skip a dose and never take double doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you don’t remember until the next day, please call your doctor for instructions.
• Lovenox (enoxaparin) and heparin. It is important to administer enoxaparin or heparin exactly as your doctor tells you. If you use enoxaparin or heparin on a regular schedule, take missed doses as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double dose.

Follow-up monitoring

• An INR blood test will measure how fast your blood is clotting and lets the doctor know if your dosage should be changed. Because your dose is based on the INR test, it is very important that you have your blood tested on your scheduled date and time.

When to call the doctor

Bleeding may be a complication of taking anticoagulants, tell your doctor if you begin to have easy bruising, bleeding gums or nosebleeds or if:

• Your urine turns red or dark brown.
• Your stools turn red, dark brown or black.
• You bleed more than usual when you have your period.
• You have a very bad headache or stomach pain that will not go away.
• You get sick or feel weak, faint or dizzy.
• You think you are pregnant.

Use the call button to ask for help if you feel unsteady or weak.

• Place the call button and items you need within easy reach.
• Ask for help getting to the bathroom or walking around the room or in the hallways.
• Wear nonslip footwear, and don’t let your robe or pajamas drag the floor.
• Always use handrails in the bathroom and hallways. Don’t try to stand if you feel unsteady. Call the nurse.
• Lower the bed height and side rails to reach items you need.
• Talk to your doctor if your medicine makes you lightheaded, sleepy, sluggish or confused and ask how to reduce these side effects.

Special regulations are in effect in areas where patients are receiving oxygen. Electrically operated equipment, battery-operated devices, aerosol products, and items that produce a static discharge are not permitted in these areas. Absolutely no smoking is permitted in any room where oxygen is in use or on standby.

The hospital conducts fire and disaster drills regularly. If a drill occurs while you are here, please remain in your room and don’t be alarmed. Please do not use the elevators when an alarm is sounding. In the event of a true emergency, your nurse will assist you.

Help prevent the spread of infection

While you're in the hospital, there is a risk of infection. You can help prevent infection by taking these simple steps:

• Wash your hands after touching objects or surfaces, before eating and after using the restroom.
• Tell guests not to visit if they are sick. Ask guests to wash their hands when entering your room.
• Cover if you are sick. Sneeze and cough into a tissue, then throw it away. Avoid touching other people.
• Keep all your vaccines up to date. Protect yourself and others. It’s worth a shot.
• Check your bandages. If a bandage on a wound or IV becomes loose or wet, tell your nurse. If you have a catheter or drainage tube, tell your nurse if it becomes loose or dislodged. Avoid touching them.
• Remind staff to wash their hands. All of your care team should wash their hands both before and after touching you. Don't be afraid to remind them if they forget.
• Follow isolation signs on the patient room door. Children may not be able to enter isolation rooms. Please ask your nurse for assistance.

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds.

That's about the amount of time it takes to sing two verses of the "Happy Birthday" song.

No soap? Use sanitizer.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on your hands. Simply apply sanitizer to your palm and continue to rub over the entire surface of your hands and fingers until they are completely dry.

When to wash your hands

• After touching doorknobs
• After touching bed rails, bedside tables, remote control or phone
• Before eating (Use soap and water)
• Before touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• After using restroom (Use soap and water)
• Before and after changing bandages
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Right ID, right care

While you are in the hospital, many people will enter your room, from doctors and nurses to aides and orderlies. When you are admitted to the hospital, an ID band is placed on your wrist. This ensures that the right patient gets the right care in the right place and at the right time.

Always be sure you are correctly identified by name and birth date. If you are concerned, speak up.

Check ID band for medications or procedures

Any time your care team enters your room to give medications, transport you or perform procedures and treatments, they must check your name and birth date on your ID band before they proceed.

Check ID band before surgery

Your surgical team will check your ID band for correct name and birth date with the type of surgery you are having and they will mark the correct body part. Be sure you have been correctly identified by name and birth date, type of surgery and marked body part.

Check staff ID badge

Every doctor and colleague who visits your room should introduce themselves and should wear a photo name badge.

• Don’t be afraid check the ID badge of every colleague who enters your room. If you do not see an ID badge on a colleague, call your nurse.
• Don’t be afraid to make sure that every staff member has washed their hands before they touch you.

During your hospital stay, a family member or a trusted friend can be a big help to you.

If you're confused, stressed, or you can't communicate your support person can speak up for you.

Your support person can:

• Ask questions and take notes
• Help manage your medications
• Keep an eye on you and ask for help if needed

Tell the staff who your support person is.

Visiting hours

Visitors can be good medicine for patients. Family members and friends are welcome to visit.

Medical/surgical floors

Visiting hours are 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Labor and delivery

We encourage visitors to support the mother during labor. Any visitors you choose, including baby’s siblings, may visit labor and delivery at any time.

NICU

Open 24 hours. Please see NICU staff for special restrictions.

ICU

ICU visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Note: No visitors under 16 and only 2 visitors at a time.

Visitor guidelines

There are designated lounge areas for visitors on each patient floor. Specific waiting areas have been designated for visitors in the ICU, surgery and emergency departments.

• No more than two visitors per patient at one time.
• Please do not visit if you have a cold, sore throat, fever or infection.
• Wash your hands before entering and when leaving the patient's room.
• Dress appropriately, and wear shirts and shoes when visiting.
• Respect all signs posted such as "no visitor" or "isolation."
• Please be quiet and respect the healing of other patients. Silence cell phones.
• Children may visit for brief periods.
• Step out of the room when asked by the staff, if it is necessary for the well-being of the patient.
• Use the public restrooms instead of the patient's, and keep the patient's room sanitary.
• Please don't smoke or use tobacco products, including electronic, in the hospital or on hospital grounds.
• Be considerate of both patients when visiting semi-private rooms.

Stopping infection is in your hands

Hand hygiene is the single most important method of controlling the spread of bacteria. We ask all visitors and caregivers to wash their hands before and after contact with patients and their surroundings. This simple act can provide a safer environment for all.

Public restrooms

We ask that visitors not use the bathrooms in patient rooms. They are reserved only for patients in order to protect their health. Public restrooms are located throughout the hospital.

To be allowed in the hospital, a service animal must be trained to work with or perform tasks directly related to the disability of the patient or visitor. Pets and comfort animals – domestic animal kept for pleasure or companionship – are generally not permitted but will be assessed on an individual basis.

Telecommunication devices and other necessary services are available to help communications between you and your care team, if needed. Please contact any member of our healthcare team for assistance.

Medical City McKinney has a language telephone line for non-English speaking patients to ensure good communications between you and your care team. Please let us know right away if you or your family need an interpreter.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with interpreting or translation, we can offer resources that will help communicate your needs or concerns accurately.

Read about patient rights and responsibilities

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that gives you rights over your health information and sets rules and limits on who can look at and receive your health information.

What is protected information?

• Any information entered into your medical record including conversations between you, your doctor and any medical staff
• Billing or insurance information in hospital or provider’s computers

Who must follow this law?

• Most doctors, nurses, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and many other healthcare providers and their vendors
• Health insurance companies, HMOs and most employer group health plans
• Certain government programs that pay for healthcare, such as Medicare and Medicaid

Your insurance and healthcare providers must allow you to:

• Get a copy of your health records
• Have revisions made or information added to your health information
• Receive a notice that tells you how your health information may be used and shared
• Decide if you want to give your permission before your health information can be used or shared
• Get a report on when and why your health information was shared for certain purposes

Your information can be used or shared:

• To coordinate your care and treatment
• To pay doctors and hospitals
• With family, relatives, friends or others that you choose to be involved with your healthcare or bills
• To hold all healthcare professionals and facilities to a standard of care
• To protect the public health, for example, by reporting when the flu is in your area
• To make required reports to the police, such as reporting gunshot wounds

Your health information cannot be shared with your employer or used for marketing purposes without your written consent.

Care about your care

• I have been involved in decisions about what will take place after I leave Medical City McKinney.
• My doctor or nurses have answered my most important questions.
• I understand where I am going after I leave the hospital and what will happen to me once I arrive.
• I have the name and phone number of a person I should contact if a problem arises during my transfer.
• I understand my medicines, how to get them and how to take them.
• I understand the potential side effects of my medications and who to call if I experience them.
• I understand what symptoms I need to watch out for and who to call if I notice them.
• I understand how to keep my health problems from becoming worse.
• My family or someone close to me knows that I am coming home, is available to care for me and knows what I will need once I leave the hospital.
• I have what I need at home such as medication, equipment or home modification.
• If I am going directly home, I have scheduled a follow-up appointment with my doctor, and I have transportation to this appointment.
• I know that if I disagree with my doctor's discharge decision, I can appeal it. If I am a Medicare patient, I will get “An Important Message from Medicare” from the hospital’s discharge planner or caseworker. This details my rights to remain in the hospital for care and provides information on who to contact to appeal a discharge decision.

Teach and show until you know

• Has your doctor prescribed a medical device or equipment for you to use at home? Ask your care team to teach you how to use it and also show you how it works.
• Some medical devices can be difficult to use, so ask until you know.
• Instead of simply listening to instructions, make sure to repeat them back to your team.
• Repeating what you hear in your own words helps your nurse or doctor know you understand the instructions.
• Have your doctor or nurse explain again, then have them check again, to be sure you understand everything about your care.
• Ask them to explain words you don’t know. Be clear about what you hear.

Know before you go

1: Your meds

Has your doctor given you new medicines to take?

• Do you know why, when and how much to take? Have you told your doctor about any other medicines you’re taking?
• Do any of your medicines look alike or sound alike? Know the difference.

2: Your plan

Your healthcare plan is any instructions your doctor gives you for afterhospital care.

This includes:

• New medicines and how to take them
• Surgical site care
• Limits on diet or physical activity while healing
• Remember, if you don’t understand, ask until you do.

3: Your role

Your role is to:

• Follow all instructions from your doctor after you are released from the hospital.
• Continue to manage your existing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or COPD. It could help you avoid hospital readmission.

Your healthcare is our priority. To determine where improvements are needed, we take part in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.

It is a standardized tool for measuring and reporting satisfaction across all hospitals in the U.S.

What is HCAHPS?

HCAHPS is a survey that measures patients’ thoughts about their hospital experience. It asks questions about communication, responsiveness, cleanliness, quietness, pain management, communication about medicines, discharge information and overall hospital rating.

Hospital Compare

Hospital Compare is a government website that lets consumers compare the quality of hospital care across the country. The site is managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For more information, visit medicare.gov/hospitalcompare.

The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission develops and administers voluntary accreditation programs outlining performance standards for hospitals and other healthcare organizations. To see reports for all accredited organizations, visit jointcommission.org.

Knowing what to expect from our hospital's billing process can help you feel more informed and in control of your bills.

Patient Financial Resources

Follow your care plan.

Manage your pain.

Rest when you need it.

Ask a family member or friend to check on you as you recover.

Tell your doctor how you feel during your recovery.

If you are having suicidal thoughts and are in need of immediate crisis services, call (800) 273-8255.

When you leave the hospital, you may need to spend time in a rehabilitation or other facility. You may need to schedule tests at an imaging center or have in-home therapy. Be sure you know what's next before you leave the hospital.

Home health

Home health covers a range of services for an illness or injury, including:

• Personal care such as bathing, dressing and eating
• Healthcare, including physical, speech and occupational therapy or skilled nursing.

Durable medical equipment (DME)

Medical equipment is ordered by a doctor for use in your home. Examples are walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and hospital beds. DME is paid for under Medicare Part B and Part A for home health services.

To find out what care and services are covered, or to get help with medical costs, call the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services at 877.267.2323.

Assisted living

Assisted living provides help with basic activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming and dressing. These communities offer a more home-like atmosphere and provide an independent lifestyle with customized assistance such as:

• 24-hour care staff
• Medication reminders/management
• Incontinence management
• Help with daily tasks, meal prep
• Apartment cleaning/linen services
• Local transportation/activities

Long-term acute care

Long-term acute care is a specialty hospital for patients who are seriously ill or and need specialized care for a longer recovery. The care needed often includes pulmonary, wound, transitional or subacute care, dialysis, IV antibiotic therapy and pain management.

Memory care facilities

Memory care facilities are highly specialized in caring for people who are living with the effects of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The focus of memory care communities is on understanding each resident in order to provide comfort and security in a homelike surrounding. Memory care facilities usually offer:

• Positive validation techniques
• Safe, secure, uplifting surroundings
• Large indoor/outdoor areas
• Specially designed “peaceful areas”
• Life enrichment and specialized cognitive stimulation exercises

Rehabilitation

For patients who have suffered traumatic injuries or illnesses. The goal is to restore some or all of the patient’s physical, sensory and mental capabilities that were lost due to injury, illness or disease. Speech, occupational and physical therapies are provided for patients who are medically stable and can tolerate at least three hours of therapy per day.

Skilled nursing facilities

Skilled nursing facilities, also referred to as nursing homes, provide personal and medical care for those patients who cannot be cared for at home. Most of these facilities have nursing aides and skilled nurses on hand 24 hours a day. Staff provides medical care, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy.

Hospice care

Hospice is available for people whose life expectancy is six months or less, and involves palliative care (pain and symptom relief) rather than ongoing curative measures. Hospice typically provides services, such as speech and physical therapy, therapeutic massage, dietary assistance, bathing and other personal care services, emotional and spiritual support, and grief counseling.

How to decide what’s next

Your case manager will help you with discharge planning and determining your after-hospital needs. They will also follow up with community, government and private agencies as needed. Contact them by calling Ext. 4644.

Eldercare locator
eldercare.gov

ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
archrespite.org