When the hospital told me, “It’s time to start preparing for discharge,” I felt relieved, but at the same time, I was suddenly overcome by a strong sense of anxiety: “Will I be able to care for them at home? Or should I start looking for a care facility?”
In particular, if the patient’s condition has changed since before admission or if medical treatment is required, making the wrong decision could place a heavy burden on the family.
So, when deciding whether to return home or look for a care facility, here are some key terms you should definitely know:"Level of Dependence on Medical Care"It is.
In this article, we’ll provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the basics of “level of medical dependency”—a key consideration when planning for life after discharge—as well as the key factors families should keep in mind when making decisions.
1. What exactly is “level of dependence on medical care”?
Simply put, the degree of medical dependency refers to the extent to which a person requires daily medical care from doctors and nurses.
For example, if the following types of treatments or care are required on a daily basis, the individual is deemed to have a “high level of dependence on medical care.”
- Tube Feeding (Gastrostomy, Enterostomy, Nasogastric Feeding, etc.)
- Suctioning of Phlegm(If you need it frequently during the day or at night)
- Insulin Injections and Blood Glucose Testing
- Home Oxygen Therapy
- Management of Urinary Catheters (Balloon)
- Treatment for Weeping Pressure Ulcers (Decubitus Ulcers)
When considering where to go after discharge (home or a facility), a key deciding factor is not only the level of care required but also the question of “who will provide medical care, when, and where.”
2. Challenges Faced at “Home” and in “Facilities”
When a patient is discharged while still requiring a high level of medical care, there are important points to keep in mind for both home and the care facility.
Key Points for Returning Home
The desire to “let them return to the home they’re used to” is very important. However, it is impossible for family members alone to provide 24-hour medical care. In order for them to continue living at home, it is essential to establish a solid “medical support system”—combining services such as home nursing, home medical visits, and day care—before discharge.
Key Points to Consider When Seeking Admission to a Facility
In fact, at many typical long-term care facilities (such as special nursing homes and private senior living facilities), nurses are often “on duty only during the day,” and it is not uncommon for these facilities to be operated solely by care staff at night. For this reason,Patients are turned away for reasons such as “nighttime suctioning of phlegm is required” or “there is no nurse available at insulin injection time.”Such cases actually exist.
3. “Three Questions” You Should Ask First When Told You’re Being Discharged
When the topic of discharge from the hospital comes up, before you rush to start looking for a care facility, be sure to confirm the following three points with the hospital’s social worker (MSW) or nurse.
- "After I'm discharged, what specific medical procedures will I need, and how many times a day?" (For example: How many times a day should phlegm be suctioned? Is it necessary at night? Is it something family members can do if they receive instruction?)
- "Is that procedure something that can be handled at a typical long-term care facility?" (We’ll have a professional assess the eligibility criteria for facilities in advance.)
- "If I return home, what arrangements do I need to make for home nursing care or house calls?" (We will determine how many professionals can be covered under long-term care insurance and health insurance.)
4. Options for Staying Hopeful Even When You Have a High Level of Dependence on Medical Care
There’s no need to despair, thinking, “Since I need medical treatment, I can’t go back home, and there probably isn’t a facility that will take me…”
Currently, there are options such as “Long-Term Care Medical Facilities,” which provide integrated long-term medical and nursing care; “Long-Term Care Health Facilities for the Elderly,” staffed by doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists; and “home care services provided in collaboration with home-visit nursing stations,” among others,There are options available to support individuals with high medical dependency.
The peace of mind provided by the Taiseikai and Kunikai Group’s “seamless integration of medical care and welfare”
It is precisely when patients have a high level of medical dependency after discharge—and it becomes difficult for families to manage on their own—that the strengths of the Taiseikai-Kunikai Group truly come into play.
The welfare services (short-term stays, day services, various facilities, etc.) and in-home support provided by the Kuni Association are,We collaborate with “Uchida Hospital” and the home-visit nursing station, both of which are part of the same group.
- Smooth Information Sharing Immediately After Discharge: Doctors and nurses at Uchida Hospital and welfare staff from the Kuni-kai share information regarding the course of treatment and necessary medical procedures at the hospital to support the transition to daily life for individuals requiring medical care.
- Coordinated medical care in the event of any sudden changes in health: We’ll work in coordination with Uchida Hospital to respond to situations such as “a sudden fever” or “problems with tube feeding.” We provide support through both medical and social services so that families don’t have to shoulder the burden alone.
"I’m being pressured to leave the hospital, but I have medical needs and don’t know where to turn for help." If you find yourself in this situation, please feel free to contact our consultation desk first. We’ll work with you from both medical and welfare perspectives to ensure a smooth transition from the hospital and to find the best living arrangement that minimizes the burden on your family.
＼ Please feel free to contact us if you have any problems ／.
Medical Corporation Daiseikai, Uchida Hospital, Community Healthcare Coordination Office
(TEL) 0278-24-5329
Uchida Home Care Support Office
(TEL) 0278-23-7535
▶ Click here for the Daiseikai Group Uchida Hospital Outpatient Schedule
