Tips for ensuring a smooth and safe transition after a medical discharge will be the topic of an upcoming informative presentation from the Somerville Council on Aging.
Hosted at the Atrium (167 Holland St.) in Somerville, the free informative session runs from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, May 6. The session will feature guidance from Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES), along with medical, legal and home care providers.
“SCES is participating to highlight the importance of a safe and seamless transition from hospital to home,” said SCES Resource Specialist Colleen Morrissey. “We provide ongoing, in-home services to help older adults live independently in their own homes. Many people are first introduced to SCES as part of their discharge plan, when a nurse, social worker, or doctor makes a referral for services on their behalf.”
Discharge planning happens when an individual is getting ready to move from the hospital to a rehab facility, or home from the hospital or rehab facility. Ideally, it involves input from the individual, family, and medical team.
The panel, which includes Cambridge Health Alliance, the Greater Medford Visiting Nurse Association and Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services, will outline will each step of the discharge process, clarifying connections between the various providers involved.
The discussion will also include health insurance and patient rights. Panelists will discuss post-discharge services, the Medicare process and appeal rights, and in-home services.
To register for the Medical Discharge Panel event, contact Suzanne at (617) 625-6600, ext. 2300.
The Aging Information Center at SCES offers a variety of free resources for medical discharge planning and can be reached at 617-628-2601.
Established in 1972, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is a private, non-profit agency dedicated to improving the quality of life and maintaining the dignity and independence of older people in Somerville and Cambridge. SCES is a state designated Aging Services Access Point and a federal Area Agency on Aging. Some SCES services are targeted to low-income residents of Somerville and Cambridge, age 60 and over, who need assistance with managing daily activities. Other services are available to older adults, disabled persons and family caregivers throughout Greater Boston.
