How To Safely Discharge a Patient To Home

During the initial evaluation by our therapists, a home assessment questionnaire is provided to the resident and/or caregiver to be completed on within the first week of care. The information gathered guides the therapy treatment plan. Functional movements are practiced with the resident so they will be able to function safely when discharged home.

Some of the questions included in this home assessment questionnaire are:

• Do you live in a 1 Level, multi-level, ranch, mobile home or apartment?
• How many steps to enter your home?
• Do you have steps inside the home? Number?
• What is the width of entrance to the house? The bathroom door? The bedroom door?
• Does the refrigerator position open to the left or right?
• Do you have a microwave? Where is it located?
• Where do you have rugs or carpeting? How thick are they?

Home Safety Recommendations

Upon discharge, the therapist gives a home safety recommendation worksheet to the resident and/or caregiver, highlighting some key areas that need addressing based on the home assessment questionnaire and goals achieved during rehabilitation.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Arrange furniture in a way that allows for free movement and ambulation.
• Eliminate all throw rugs as they can create sliding under feet.
• Have a night light sensor which activates when a person moves within the room.
• Use non-skid rubber mats in the bath, shower, and floor to provide stability.
• Keep electrical cords safely tucked away.
• Keep emergency numbers written in large print near the phone.

Therapists at Prime Rehabilitation Services ensure that techniques practiced under their skilled care are well understood and carry over to the home environment.