Bucks Montgomery Physician Spring 2021 - 17

be independent and capable of participating in social
cohorts with little or no family input, or supervision
or care. " Betty Black " however may require round-theclock care with as much as a half million dollars per
year price tag which has often not been budgeted. Often
the facts are not as simple as black and white in that
" Betty White " may have days of Grey interspersed.
While case management is happy to provide support of
either decision, there are crucial things to be considered
before making the decision to bring either " Betty " home
to ensure a safe transition in lieu of a short facility stay.
First is transportation. How will the patient travel and
is there a comfortable vehicle to accommodate the
patient's physical abilities? Many families have some type
of SUV, however, can someone who needs an assistive
device able to make the climb into that vehicle safely?
Once the patient arrives at the residence where they will
be staying steps needs to be considered, both steps to
enter the home as well as being able to freely move to
other levels of the home where bathroom, food, and
sleeping quarters are located. It is important to evaluate
the need for assistive devices and having ample room to
navigate those devices such as a walker or a wheelchair.

Follow up care is also an important consideration.
Plans should be made to have prescriptions ready to
be picked up prior to discharge. The patient may not
be able to walk into the pharmacy or wait in the car
to have their prescriptions filled. The patient and/
or family should also understand what and when the
medications should be taken. Ensuring that patients
make their follow up appointments is paramount to
ensure that they are progressing back toward health
and if there is an issue post discharge, it is quickly
identified. Transportation again needs to be considered
for these trips out, particularly if physical therapy is
involved as that can be several visits in a week.
We will consider COVID as an opportunity for families
to have discussions and commitments regarding possible
outcomes and individual contributions. Having a
long-term plan may diminish from some of the stress
of being forced to make these difficult decisions at
the spur of the moment. This could not only benefit
the elderly recipient but also family members who
are enriched by providing care and spending time
with an esteemed, wise, and special member.

To All Frontline Heroes
Thank You for Your Dedication

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Bucks Montgomery Physician Spring 2021

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