BEFORE
Typical care options after leaving hospital:
-Making weekly trips to the hospital to see doctors, nurses and therapists
-Employing a maid to look after patient. Family members have to take time off from work until maid arrives
-Taking on role of full-time caregiver by family member
-Admitting the person to a nursing home fitted with elderly-friendly features that provide a safe environment
NOW
Additional care options after being discharged:
-Doctors, nurses and therapists go to the patient's home
-Interim caregiver service provides up to 12 hours of care a day while longer-term arrangements are being worked out
-Day-care centres give the elderly a place to go for rehabilitation and recreation while family members are at work
-Subsidies for installing grab-bars and ramps at home to allow independent living
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