What do I do if my loved one is ill or needs to go back to the hospital?

If your loved one is ill after being discharged from a skilled nursing facility (SNF), there are a few things you can do…

1. Call their doctor or professionals. 

If you or your loved one are experiencing illness or require medical attention, home health services can be a valuable resource. A mobile doctor can swiftly conduct a telehealth visit to address urgent concerns.

If your loved one has a doctor already, they are also able to assess their condition and determine next steps.

2. Call the skilled nursing facility (SNF)

If the situation is more pressing, contacting the SNF is advisable. Within the first 30 days of discharge, if the issue is related to the initial admitting diagnosis, hospitalization may not be necessary; instead, returning to skilled nursing for continued services is often an option. However, in some cases, hospitalization may still be required.

If your loved one needs to go back to hospital…

Be sure your loved one’s care providers have as much information as possible, including:

• A list of your loved one’s medications. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Your loved one’s medical records. This will help the doctors at the hospital to understand your medical history and current condition.
• A list of your loved one’s doctors’ contact information. This includes both their primary care doctor and any specialists you see.

What happens at the hospital?

When your loved one arrives at the hospital, they will be admitted and evaluated by a doctor. The doctor will determine what tests and treatments they need. They may be admitted to the hospital for a few days or even longer, depending on your condition.

What about payment?

If your loved one is hospitalized after being discharged from a SNF, Medicare may cover the cost of their hospital stay. 

However, there are some out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare coverage, such as copayments and coinsurance. You should check with your loved one’s insurance company to see what your coverage is.

Don’t forget – let any important family and friends know that your loved one is going back to the hospital. They can provide you with support while your loved one gets the care they need.