A hospital stay can change what daily life looks like, sometimes very quickly. A parent or family member who was managing well before an illness, injury or surgery may suddenly need rehabilitation, help with everyday tasks or ongoing medical care.

When discharge is approaching, families may have only a short amount of time to understand their options and determine what comes next. Knowing the different levels of senior living and care can make that decision feel more manageable.

Start With the Current Level of Support Needed

The right next step depends on why the individual was hospitalized, how well they are recovering and what assistance they will need after discharge.

Some people need short-term rehabilitation before returning home. Others may require 24-hour skilled nursing or discover that assisted living would provide helpful support with everyday routines.

Before choosing a community, ask the hospital care team what services will likely be needed immediately after discharge and whether those needs are expected to be temporary or ongoing.

Understand the Differences Between Care Options

Senior living isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding a few common options can help families narrow their search.

Rehabilitation may be recommended following surgery, illness or injury. Physical, occupational and speech therapy can help individuals rebuild strength, improve mobility and regain skills needed for everyday life.

Skilled nursing provides 24-hour nursing care for individuals who need ongoing medical supervision or more complex clinical support.

Assisted living may be appropriate when an individual no longer requires intensive medical care but could benefit from help with medication management, bathing, dressing, mobility or other daily needs.

The right choice should address current needs while also considering what may be helpful in the months and years ahead.

Consider More Than Immediate Recovery

When a hospital discharge creates urgency, it’s natural to focus on finding a solution for right now. But it’s also worth asking what happens if care needs change again.

Choosing a community with multiple levels of care can make future transitions simpler. Instead of beginning another search, an individual may be able to receive additional services within the same community.

At Pleasant View, our continuum of care includes independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation on one campus. As Ottawa’s only Life Plan Community, we can support individuals through different stages of aging and recovery.

Ask the Right Questions Before Making a Decision

Even when time is limited, families should feel comfortable asking questions. Consider discussing:

• What level of care is available 24 hours a day?
• Are rehabilitation services offered?
• How are individualized care plans developed?
• What happens if health or care needs change?
• How does the community communicate with families?
• What dining, programming and amenities are available?
• Can we tour before making a decision?

The answers can help you understand not only the services provided but also what everyday life may look like after the transition.

Think About Life Beyond Care

Clinical support matters, but so does quality of life. As recovery progresses, opportunities to socialize, enjoy meals with others, participate in programming or simply spend time outside can become an important part of establishing a new routine.

Look beyond the list of medical services and consider whether the community provides opportunities for the individual to continue enjoying their interests, relationships and daily preferences.

Find the Right Next Step at Pleasant View

If a hospital stay has prompted your family to explore senior living, you don’t have to know exactly which option is right before reaching out.

The Pleasant View team can help you learn more about rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living and other services available on our Ottawa campus. We’ll answer your questions and help you better understand which level of support may fit your family members’ current needs.

Call our team at 815-665-5355 to learn more or schedule a visit to Pleasant View and explore your options in person.