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. 

Home Healthcare—Care provided by professionals in your home to help maintain or restore health. Includes: 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. Visit Home Healthcare for more information.

Independent Living—Communities with individual, private apartments or homes. Includes: meals, housekeeping, maintenance, social activities and possibly transportation. Visit Independent Living for more information.

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

Nursing Home—Long-term care facility for individuals who don’t need a hospital, but can’t be cared for at home. Includes: 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. 

Some nursing homes also offer short-term rehabilitative stays for patients recovering from an injury or illness. Visit Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Care for more information.

Hospice—Care program that provides support for terminally ill patients and families in hospitals, facilities or homes, depending on the patient’s condition. Includes: 24-hour help with pain control, symptom management and emotional or spiritual support. Visit Hospice & Palliative Care for more information.

To get started evaluating or finding after-hospital care resources in your area, visit:
Contact your health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid to find out what care and services are covered for you, and to obtain help with costs.