What are aged care options discharging from a hospital?

In this video we cover:

1. Who do I speak to about aged care options in hospital?

   Discharging from hospital can be very stressful, especially if you have concerns about your health and your ongoing needs at home. As part of your discharge plan, a health representative at the hospital will discuss your options to ensure that
   you are supported. You may also benefit from contacting My Aged Care to discuss aged care options in the home.

   To speak to a My Aged Care representative you will need to call the contact centre on 1800 200 422.

2. What are my options when discharging from hospital?

   When you are discharging from hospital you, your loved ones, and your health professional will need to consider your options. You will need to determine if you require transitional care to assist your returning home, or if you are able to be supported with low level aged care services. The most important thing to consider is what will best help you to regain your health and wellbeing when you arrive home and avoid any more trips to the hospital.

3. How do I organise transitional care?

   If you require transitional care you will need to organise for an assessor to visit you in hospital for a face-to-face assessment. To arrange this, you or your representative will need to speak to hospital staff and advise you would like an assessment in the hospital before you discharge.

   After your assessment, your assessor will refer you to a transition care provider who will assist you with leaving the hospital, and organise any care needs you will have depending on the best place for your recovery.

   • For high care needs, this may include a short stay in an aged care home where care and support is available.
   • For a lighter level care needs, you may receive services in your home.

4. How do I organise for aged care services to assist my discharge?

   If you and your discharge planner decide you do not require transition care but will still need some support to return home, you will need to register for My Aged Care. To request an assessment for aged care services, contact My Aged Care or request hospital staff to make an online referral on your behalf.

   Ensure that you let the My Aged Care representative know if you require any immediate services such as personal care, nursing, meals or transport.

   Once this is received, My Aged Care will send the referral through to the most appropriate assessment team and the assessment will be conducted once you are back in your own home or the place you have nominated as the best location for you to recover.