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Our goal is to provide quality healthcare within the shortest hospital stay possible for your condition. However, you are not on your own once you leave. Our social services staff ensure you have help and support for optimal recovery upon discharge from the hospital.
The Social Services Department at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is an integral part of your medical team while you’re an inpatient. As discharge planners, we work with you, your family and physicians to develop an individualized plan for continuing care after you leave. The goal is to have the same dedication to excellent care you experience as an inpatient follow you after discharge as we help connect you with community resources to support your health and wellness.
To learn more about discharge planning available through the Social Services Department, please call 828-766-1695
Inpatient Social Services
When you enter the hospital, social services staff are available to talk with you, answer questions and begin planning for your discharge. While you’re an inpatient, we may help with:
- Health resources: Ask your nurse to contact us any time you have a question about services and resources you might need.
- Advance directives: These are legal documents that detail your treatment preferences and that allow you to designate a decision-maker in the event you are not able to make your own medical decisions. It is best to discuss this with your family and to complete advance directives before you enter the hospital. However, our social services staff will help you obtain the information and support you may need to complete such documents.
Please note that the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid to ask all adult inpatients if they have stated their medical wishes in advance directives.
Discharge Planning
Total patient care includes a solid plan for a safe and successful recovery once you leave the hospital. We consider your medical, psychological, environmental and financial needs and refer you to the appropriate services. Working closely with community, state and federal agencies, we stay up-to-date with their programs so that we may assist you with:
- Home care services – personal aide, house keeping, nursing, rehabilitation, adaptive aids, medical equipment
- Transportation arrangements
- Rehabilitation – occupational, physical or speech therapy
- Support groups
- Community services like Meals on Wheels
- Alternative living arrangements – short or long term nursing home or assisted living
- Financial assistance – referral to federal and state programs such as WIC, Medicaid, food stamps, Social Security Disability
The discharge planners at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital arrange supportive services, refer you to appropriate agencies, and will follow-up to help ensure that the available resource providers are working to assist you. In the meantime, never hesitate to call should you experience any obstacles that interfere with obtaining medical care, rehabilitation or other services after you leave our care.
Information
While you’re in the hospital, feel free to ask your nurse to contact a social worker. You may also call the department at 828-766-1695.
Location
Social Services Department
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
125 Hospital Dr.
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
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