Discharge Planning for the Elderly: A Guide for Nurses

Designed as a text or self-learning manual, this book offers nurses practical programs for discharge planning for the elderly. This program was developed by the Education Development Center and Boston's Beth Israel Hospital. The premise of the book is that nurses should be involved in the discharge planning process, along with other members of the health care team, from the first day of hospitalization. Topics include assessing the patient's physical, mental, and functional needs; assessing the caregiver and home environment; matching patient needs with appropriate resources in the community or institutional setting; patient advocacy; and ethics. Each chapter includes learning objectives, case studies, and clinical exercises. In addition, the many sample forms, charts, and diagrams help to clarify complex information.