PATH ALONG Uses Hands On Approach To Reduce Hospital Readmissions

PATH ALONG has staff accompany the patient throughout the hospitalization process and in to the home.  There is a measurable power in having a consistent caring face helping the patient during an illness.  The presence of another who can maintain an ongoing thoughtful direction toward stability in the community.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have installed hospital admission assessments on a level that require the person to be severely ill to stay in the hospital.   The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have reduced hospital reimbursement rates when a patient is readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. 

These changes push acuity down the continuum of care.  Simply, the community will see more and more individuals who need the help of another.  Families will be searching for a community provider capable (www.homecarepath.com )of supporting their loved one. 

PATH ALONG is an original Wisconsin model that connects inpatient providers to community staff who support the patient during health system transitions.  When identifying one of the following assessments a referral to PATH ALONG is appropriate.

1. Person has a history of hospital readmission.

2.  Person has a chronic disease process (COPD, Diabetes, CHF) and a change in physical function.

3. Person has a chronic disease process (COPD, Diabetes, CHF) and a change in cognitive function.

PATH ALONG is an evidence based model with three defined services to help the hospitalist fulfill their continuity of care role.  Services include:

-inpatient advocacy provides a staff person to accompany the elder on their inpatient stay

-temporary help with a scheduled day surgery, staff accompany the elder to the hospital for the procedure and follow the person in the home setting until the senior can get by alone

-crisis intervention transitional counseling provides a staff person who helps the family with an immediate and long term plan.  The focus is to bring needed service to the elder

The PATH ALONG model prepares known processes that offer an industry stability to the system standard.  The services improve the accuracy of the information necessary for a safe and successful transition.  Staff deliver active participation during the transition to support the achievement of common Transition of Care Coalition Goals.

PATH ALONG is a registered trademark of Home Care Path a leading senior care provider serving south central Wisconsin.  Please check out this site with free access
http://www.homecarepath.com/Pages/PRESSRELEASEOriginalWisconsinModelToReduceHospitalReadmissionRates.aspx