Our many family support services are designed to help families manage some of the challenges they will face while a loved one is in our care and once he or she is discharged from our facility. Families are invited to take advantage of these services and use them as a source of information, guidance, and comfort.
Family support groups
Conducted weekly, free-of-charge, our family support groups provide a forum for participants to share their experiences and concerns with the families of other patients. Held in our comfortable meeting rooms, these sessions are led by a clinical psychologist and offer strategies for coping with illness, guilt, and stress. Some of the topics covered are:
- Can you “will your way” to health? How does motivation affect illness outcome?
- Managing stress before it manages you.
- Using conflict constructively.
- I’m not a medical person, I’m just family. What can I do to help?
- What is he so afraid of, this isn’t like him!
- Why is she so down? Why can’t she “snap out of it?”
- Has he lost his mind for good? Why is he so confused?
- Lessons your mother taught you – eat well, sleep well and wash your hands.
Individual education sessions
Our staff teaches family members how to administer patient therapies at home.
Chaplain services
Sensitive to individual beliefs and traditions, RML’s chaplains provide emotional and spiritual nurturing through a non-denominational program.
Assistance in preparing appropriate documents
Advance Directives are essential in case a patient becomes physically or mentally unable to communicate his or her wishes. If needed, we can help prepare a Living Will or a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
Translation Assistance
RML Specialty Hospital provides interpreters for patients and family who do not speak English. We have staff who speak your language, or we can access an over-the-phone interpreter in your language.
Discharge counseling
Initiated soon after a patient is admitted, care coordinators and physicians meet with family members to discuss medically appropriate alternatives for follow-up care.
What happens after a patient is discharged?
A patient is recommended for discharge once our treatment program has achieved established goals or if the patient has reached his or her potential. Deciding the best source for post-acute care is not always easy, especially since patient needs can change daily. While some of our patients are able to return home directly, acute rehabilitation or a skilled care facility may be a more appropriate alternative. There are a number of considerations that have an impact, but you can rely on us to help you sort it all out.
Financial resources
What kind of insurance, state assistance, and personal finances are available?
Support systems
Who will be the caregivers at home? How many family members and friends can you count on throughout the day and night? Will they be trained to help support all patient care needs?
Physical condition
What kind of ongoing care is required? Dialysis, ventilator or other necessary medical equipment should be ready for use when the patient arrives home.
Community resources
What types of support facilities or programs are available in your area?
Environmental issues
Is the home environment safe for ventilator use? Your Care Coordinator will arrange an assessment through a home health care company of your choice.
Emotional state
Will it be a smooth transition? In some cases, the patient or family members have difficulty coping. There are many resources available to help people deal with anxiety and depression.
Physician support
Has the discharge plan been coordinated with the doctor who will follow the patient’s progress at home?
