The benefits of care at home include:
- more time with loved ones and pets, which can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing
- the comfort of being in the patient’s own familiar surroundings, their own bed and access to food they like
- not having to travel to a hospital, meaning patients, carers and visitors are spending less money and time on public transport or car parking and time off work
- loved ones can visit at any time of day the patient chooses, for the length of time that suits them both.
How do My Home Hospital staff work with carers and loved ones?
My Home Hospital respects the contribution of carers and families. In accordance with the wishes of the person receiving care, we will ensure carers are involved and updated at all stages of the process. Patients will have access to a care coordinator, who is an experienced registered nurse, and is their key point of contact for any questions during the admission. Our medical team can be reached at any time of the day or night.
My Home Hospital values holistic treatment, treating patients as a whole person and balancing clinical, cultural and personal needs in a flexible, personalised approach. We also value coordinated care. This means bringing the healthcare services needed together in an approach that is easy to access and values communication with patients, carers and loved ones, and other healthcare providers.
What if I need additional support as a carer during my loved one’s admission?
Your wellbeing is important too. My Home Hospital will develop a care plan with you and the person receiving care and provide written information that outlines the plan and the support available to you. The care team includes doctors and nurses who will monitor the person receiving care and discuss the care requirements and progress with them daily. They will also ensure you have the support you need, which can include providing meals, transport and personal care for the patient as required or linking you with any additional supports you need as a carer.
You can contact the My Home Hospital care team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 111 644 for further advice or support during the admission.
Who can I contact if I have questions or concern?
If you have any questions, concerns or want to provide feedback, contact the care coordinator through the My Home Hospital tablet or call 1800 111 644.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Please let them know the person you care for is a My Home Hospital patient so they can get any relevant care information from us straight away. My Home Hospital works closely with SA Ambulance Service to make sure we can respond to patients in an emergency.
What happens when a referral is made?
A health professional may discuss the option of My Home Hospital with you and the person you care for and make a referral if the patient is interested and eligible for the service.
Your loved one’s health professional will provide contact information, details about the condition and medical history of the person you care for, information about any medications they are taking and anything else that is necessary or helpful for the My Home Hospital team to know to assess eligibility for the service.
The My Home Hospital medical team will assess the patient’s eligibility for the service. This assessment will consider their clinical care needs, any risks or issues we need to be aware of, check whether home is a suitable environment for them to receive care and discuss any questions that you or other loved ones may have. This will also include assessing any additional support necessary to help you continue to care for this person during their admission.
If the person you care for is not eligible for My Home Hospital, we will discuss alternative arrangements with their referring clinician to help them receive the care they need.