After-Hospital Care

Quick Guide to Recovery Options for After Your Stay

After-hospital care that fits your needs is important. Make sure you understand what your hospital staff recommends for you. After-care options include:

Home Care

Care provided by professionals in your home to help maintain or restore health. Can include: home care services such as housekeeping and meal preparation; personal care services such as bathing, dressing, or eating; and healthcare services such as physical therapy or skilled nursing.

Communities with individual, private apartments or homes. Can include: meals,  housekeeping, maintenance, social activities, and possibly transportation. Healthcare services like skilled nursing are usually not standard.

Individual units or apartments, usually in a long-term care facility. Can include: home and personal care services, as well as help managing health conditions and medicine routines—plus social activities and transportation. Staff is on-site 24 hours. Visit Assisted Care for more information.

Long-term care facility for those who don’t need a hospital but can’t be cared for at home. Can include: all daily living and personal care services, 24-hour skilled nursing care, plus social activities and events. Special units often available for people with Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss.

Care program that provides support for terminally ill patients and families in hospitals, facilities, or private homes. Can include: 24-hour help with pain control, symptom management, and emotional or spiritual support.

Check Your Coverage

Contact your health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid to find out what care and services are covered for you and to get help with costs.