5 Takeaways When Dealing with Hospitals

Family members should be on alert when a loved one is hospitalized for any reason.  No matter how good the hospital is, there will be risks and mistakes everywhere.  Here are 5 things you should do:

1. When your loved one is going to be released, ask for a definite time of discharge and be there if you can.
2. Have a checklist of personal belongings that your loved one has brought in.
3. Ask your loved one the next day if they are missing any belongings and especially any medication.
4. Be aware of the increased risk of a mistake if your loved one is discharged after 5:00 pm on a weeknight, on a Friday evening, or on a weekend.
5. If the doctor ordered something new, be sure your loved one received it.

See Carolyn Rosenblatt, Why You Can’t Trust Hospitals with Your Aging Parents, Forbes, March 3, 2014.