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Tools for Older Adults and Caregivers
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With funding from the John A. Hartford and Robert Wood Johnson foundations, we have designed tools to support patients as they make the transition from hospital to home. These tools, and instructions for their use, are provided below.
- A patient-centered record that consists of
the essential care elements for facilitating productive interdisciplinary communication during
the care transition (referred to as the Personal Health Record,
or PHR). Print out the PHR,
personalize it by filling in your information, and take it with you to all medical visits.
Be sure to share the PHR with your doctors and nurses, asking them the questions you have
written and updating them on any changes in your medications.
Video Clip: PHR
- A structured checklist (Discharge Preparation
Checklist) of critical
activities designed to empower patients. Before you leave the hospital or nursing facility,
be sure you have completed each of the tasks on the checklist. Talk to your doctors and nurses
about what is going to happen next, find out who you should call if there are problems with
your transfer or medications, and be sure you understand how to take your medications. Write
down important information and answers to your questions in your PHR.
Additional resources:
“Taking Charge: Good Medical Care for the Elderly and How to Get It”
by Jeanne Hannah and Dr. Joseph Friedman. This book provides caregivers with the information necessary for them to
become effective members of the caregiving team.
Please click here to learn more.
“How to Survive Your Hospital Stay” by Gail Van Kanegan and Michael Boyette. A step-by-step guide to
taking control of the hospitalization process. Chapter 18, "Going Home" focuses specifically on the issues confronted during the transition home. Information on where to find this book is available
here.
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