Returning home after an emergency room visit can be difficult, especially for an older adult who lives alone, feels weak or needs temporary assistance with everyday activities.
Horizon Care Services provides personalized post-emergency room care at home for clients who have been evaluated, medically cleared and discharged from the emergency department. Depending on the care arrangement, a caregiver can assist with transportation, personal care, meals, medication reminders and other nonclinical needs during the transition home.
Services must be coordinated in advance and are subject to the emergency department’s discharge requirements, the client’s care needs and caregiver availability.
The Post-Emergency Room Care Program provides nonclinical support after a client is discharged without being admitted to the hospital.
A caregiver can help the client settle safely at home and follow the written instructions provided by the emergency room’s healthcare professionals. This program may be helpful when a client:
Horizon Care Services does not provide emergency medical care, emergency transportation or clinical monitoring through this program.
When arranged in advance, a caregiver may meet the client at the emergency department and accompany them home after discharge.
Transportation and escort assistance depend on:
Horizon Care Services does not provide ambulance or medical transportation. If medical transportation is required, it must be arranged through an appropriate provider.
An emergency room visit may result in new prescriptions or changes to an existing medication schedule. When authorized and permitted, a caregiver may assist with pharmacy pickup or help coordinate prescription delivery.
Caregivers may also:
Caregivers do not prescribe medications, change dosages, interpret medication instructions or independently administer medications. Medication administration is performed only by appropriately licensed professionals when authorized and included in the plan of care.
Emergency room discharge paperwork may include instructions about medications, activity restrictions, diet, follow-up appointments and symptoms that require additional medical attention.
A caregiver can help keep these written materials organized and provide reminders based on the instructions. Questions about the client’s diagnosis, treatment or recovery must be directed to the discharging facility, physician or another qualified healthcare professional.
Because emergency room visits are often unexpected, the client’s home may need basic attention before they can rest comfortably.
Depending on the care plan, a caregiver may assist with:
Caregivers may identify and report obvious concerns, such as loose rugs or items blocking a walkway. This assistance is not a professional home-safety inspection or clinical fall-risk assessment.
A client may return home without groceries or may not feel well enough to prepare a meal.
Caregiver assistance may include:
Caregivers do not develop medical diets or provide clinical nutrition advice.
Weakness, pain, fatigue or reduced mobility may make everyday personal-care activities more difficult after an emergency room visit.
Depending on the client’s care plan, a caregiver may assist with:
Care professionals perform only those services permitted by their credentials, assigned responsibilities and scope of practice.
Emergency room discharge instructions frequently recommend follow-up with a primary care physician, specialist or other healthcare provider.
When included in the care arrangement, a caregiver may provide:
Caregivers do not communicate with healthcare professionals or receive confidential medical information unless properly authorized by the client.
Returning home alone after an emergency room visit can be stressful. A caregiver can remain with the client, provide companionship and help with routine activities while the client becomes settled.
Companionship may also provide reassurance to family members who cannot be present immediately after discharge.
A caregiver may observe and report changes or concerns to the client, an authorized family member or the appropriate healthcare professional.
Caregivers do not diagnose symptoms or decide whether a medical condition requires treatment. Clients and family members should follow the emergency department’s written instructions concerning when to contact a physician, return to the emergency department or call 911.
If the client develops severe, worsening or potentially life-threatening symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Post-emergency room assistance may be arranged as short-term or ongoing care depending on the client’s needs.
Scheduling options may include:
All schedules are subject to the client’s assessment, requested services, care plan, current scheduling policies and caregiver availability. Care arrangements can be reviewed and adjusted as the client’s needs change.
Horizon Care Services provides post-emergency room care throughout its licensed service area, including communities such as North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Stuart, Hobe Sound and Port St. Lucie.
Our caregivers provide private-duty home care—not emergency medical treatment or Medicare-certified home health services.
Whenever possible, contact Horizon Care Services before the client is discharged so there is time to discuss the care needed, confirm transportation requirements and determine caregiver availability.
Call 561-776-7757 (toll-free 877-227-3890) or contact Horizon Care Services to discuss post-emergency room care for yourself or someone you love.
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If you're currently experiencing an emergency situation, it would be best to call 911.
Kindly take a moment to complete the form and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
No long-term contract · No membership fees · Cancel anytime
If you're currently experiencing an emergency situation, it would be best to call 911.
