What Type of Care Do You Need After Life Care Center of Kirkland?

Jun 2, 2025

If your loved one is getting ready to leave Life Care Center of Kirkland, you may be wondering: What happens next? The days after a rehab stay are often overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and logistically. Whether you're a family caregiver, adult child, or senior yourself, this blog is your step-by-step guide to understanding which type of care is best.

The Discharge Process at Life Care Center of Kirkland 📋

Who decides on discharge?

The discharge team typically includes a physician, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, and a social worker or case manager. They assess:

  • Medical stability 🩺

  • Therapy progress and whether goals were met

  • Safety in the home environment

  • Support available at home

Once your loved one is deemed safe to leave, the facility will prepare a discharge plan.

What Families Need to Prepare:

  • Updated medication list – Understand which medications continue or change

  • Written discharge instructions – Usually 5–10 pages long

  • Prescriptions – Coordinate with your pharmacy in advance

  • Equipment needs – Wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, etc.

  • Transportation plan – Rehab centers rarely offer transport, so arrange it ahead of time

Not being fully prepared can lead to hospital readmission—so be meticulous with these details.

When You’d Need Home Care 🏡❤️

Home care is the most common choice for families after a discharge, especially when the loved one is medically stable but still needs help with daily activities.

Signs Home Care Is the Right Fit:

  • Needs help with bathing, dressing, or mobility

  • Trouble managing medications 💊

  • Not ready to be left home alone

  • Family unavailable or overwhelmed

  • Cognitive decline, but not severe

Types of Home Care After Rehab:

Types of Home Care After Rehab:

Client Story:

"After Dad was discharged from Life Care Center of Kirkland, we weren’t ready. He was still weak and confused. Caringene sent someone over within hours. They walked us through his meds, set up a bathroom safety plan, and even drove him to his next doctor’s appointment. I can’t imagine doing it without them." – Melissa T., Kirkland

Why Families Choose Caringene:

  • $35/hr starting rate 💰

  • 24/7 phone and text support 📞

  • Same-day caregiver availability

  • Service across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties

Why Families Choose Caringene:

👉 Learn More About Caringene’s Services

When You’d Need Assisted Living 🏘️🧠

Sometimes, in-home care isn’t enough—especially if your loved one has advanced needs or if the home environment poses safety risks.

Signs Assisted Living Is Appropriate:

  • Progressive dementia or Alzheimer’s

  • Frequent falls or wandering

  • Needs full-time supervision

  • Family caregivers are burnt out

  • Isolation is causing emotional decline

Types of Assisted Living:

  • Standard Assisted Living: Basic support with meals, hygiene, and mobility

  • Memory Care: For Alzheimer’s and dementia, in secure, structured settings

  • Luxury Assisted Living: Hotel-like amenities, social events, upscale dining 🍽️

"After rehab, my aunt couldn’t remember to take her meds and started leaving the stove on. We realized assisted living was safer. She’s now in a beautiful memory care community near downtown Kirkland. I visit her every weekend and she’s thriving." – James H., Redmond

Expect monthly costs between $5,000 and $9,000, depending on the level of care and location.

When You’d Need Hospice or Palliative Care 🌿🕊️

For some, discharge from Life Care Center of Kirkland marks the final transition in care. When conditions are terminal or symptoms are unmanageable, hospice or palliative care can offer peace and support.

When to Consider Hospice:

  • A physician determines the prognosis is 6 months or less

  • Focus is on quality of life, not curative treatments

  • Signs of decline: weight loss, fatigue, multiple hospitalizations

When Palliative Care May Be Better:

  • Chronic condition but still undergoing treatment

  • Pain or symptoms are difficult to manage

  • Needs coordinated care at home or in a facility

“We were overwhelmed after Mom’s discharge. Her cancer had progressed and we didn’t want more hospitals. We started hospice with a nurse team and used Caringene to help overnight. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love.” – Sheila R., Bellevue

Most hospice care is covered by Medicare, and some palliative care options are as well.

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Final Thoughts 💭

Leaving Life Care Center of Kirkland is just the beginning of your next phase. Whether it’s home care, assisted living, or hospice, what matters most is having a plan—and the right support team.

Caringene is proud to be that partner for families across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. With transparent pricing, same-day availability, and caregivers who treat your loved one like family, we’re here to help you make the smoothest possible transition.

Looking for home care in Washington? We’re ready when you are.

Whether it’s after surgery, a fall, or just time for daily support — we provide fast, compassionate in-home care for families across Washington.
No contracts. No call centers. Just real care, when your family needs it most.