Under Maryland regulations the social worker at the adult medical day center is responsible for discharge planning and referral services.
DISCHARGE INITIATED BY THE RESIDENT OR REPRESENTATIVE
The participant (or his or her family) may initiate discharge for reasons that include:
- The participant does not enjoy the activities of the center
- The participant cannot afford the cost
- The participant has moved to another setting such as:
- An assisted living facility
- A nursing home
- Family or friend's home
DISCHARGE INITIATED BY THE FACILITY
The adult medical day center may initiate discharge for these reasons:
-
Changes in the participant's health
- The participant's health improves to the point that medical day services are not needed
- The participant's health declines and the level of assistance needed with activities of daily living (ADLs) increases beyond that which the center can provide
- Behavioral changes
- The participant's behavior becomes abusive, threatening or otherwise inappropriate and cannot be controlled with behavior modification or medication
- Non-payment
- The payer does not pay the bill despite multiple attempts by the center to collect payment
DISCHARGE PLANNING
Regardless of the reason for discharge, the adult day center social
worker is responsible for discharge planning and must provide a written
discharge summary with post-discharge goals and recommendations for continuing
care. The social worker is also responsible for providing referral
information to other agencies in the community that provide services needed by the
older individual.
The written discharge summary is important if your loved one is going
to another facility or program. The referral information is important
if you will be continuing to assist the participant to live in the
community. If you wish additional information about the resources available
to older persons you may call the Senior
Information & Assistance
Office in your area. In Baltimore
County, call Senior Information & Assistance
at
410-887-2594.