Discharge from Orchard Park Health and Rehabilitation Center can be a big step forward—but it also comes with important questions: What kind of care will your loved one need next? Will they thrive at home with support, or is a transition to assisted living or hospice the best fit? This guide breaks it all down to help you make the right decision with clarity and confidence.

Discharge Process

Orchard Park’s discharge process involves careful coordination between medical professionals, rehab staff, and family caregivers. The goal is to ensure that your loved one is safely transitioned to the most appropriate level of care.

Who Decides on Discharge?

• Physician: Determines medical readiness for discharge

• Physical/Occupational Therapists: Assess physical mobility and ADLs

• Social Worker or Case Manager: Coordinates follow-up care, services, and equipment

What Families Should Handle ✅

📝 Tip: Keep a discharge binder with all forms, meds list, and emergency contacts.

When You’d Need Home Care

Most families prefer to bring loved ones home after discharge, and with the right home care services, recovery and quality of life can continue in a familiar setting. 🏡

Signs Home Care Is Needed:

• Your loved one needs help with bathing, grooming, or transferring

• They’re weak or at high risk of falling

• They need meal prep or medication reminders

• They’re mentally sharp but physically limited

• You, the caregiver, are feeling overwhelmed or need a break

Home Care Services Typically Include:

• Personal care: Dressing, toileting, hygiene

• Light housekeeping & cooking

• Transportation to appointments

• Errands and medication pickup

• Companionship and check-ins

Real Testimonials 💬

Why Families Choose Caringene First

• Affordable: $35/hr — a fraction of most agencies

• Available 24/7: You can text or call anytime 📱

• Service Area: King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties

• Zero commitments: No contracts!

Home Care Comparison Table

When You’d Need Assisted Living

If your loved one needs more than just a few hours of help per day or isn’t safe at home alone, assisted living could be the next step.

Assisted Living May Be Right If:

• They need help with multiple ADLs daily (bathing, toileting, meals)

• Their condition has plateaued and won’t improve much further

• There are memory concerns such as dementia or Alzheimer’s

• They would benefit from social interaction and structured activities

Types of Assisted Living:

• Traditional Assisted Living: Help with daily activities, meals, and group events

• Memory Care: Secured units and specialized staff for Alzheimer’s and dementia

• Upscale Senior Communities: Concierge service, wellness classes, chef-prepared dining 🍽️

Real Testimonials 💬

"My aunt finished rehab at Orchard Park but still needed help with meals, dressing, and managing meds. Assisted living gave her a community and peace of mind." — Linda C.

"After Orchard Park, my grandfather wasn’t safe alone at home. Memory care has kept him safe and more socially engaged than he’s been in years." — Raymond H.

When You’d Need Hospice or Palliative Care

Sometimes Orchard Park discharges patients whose conditions are no longer improving. In these cases, hospice or palliative care can offer dignity, relief, and vital family support.

When Hospice or Palliative Care Is Needed:

• Terminal illness with 6 months or less to live, as determined by a doctor

• The goal is no longer recovery, but comfort and pain management

• The person is in frequent pain or distress

• Treatments have become burdensome or ineffective

Types of Care:

• Home Hospice: Nurse visits, pain management, spiritual support

• Inpatient Hospice: Full-time, facility-based care

• Palliative Home Care: Offers support for serious illness while continuing treatments

Real Testimonials 💬

"Orchard Park helped us recognize that Mom needed hospice. Caringene gave us caregivers who were gentle, present, and took the pressure off so we could just be with her." — Elena M.

"We chose palliative care after multiple hospitalizations. Orchard Park's team helped guide the transition, and Caringene was there for every step." — Marco R.

Comparison Table of Care OptionsWhen You’d Need Assisted Living

If your loved one needs more than just a few hours of help per day or isn’t safe at home alone, assisted living could be the next step.

Assisted Living May Be Right If:

• They need help with multiple ADLs daily (bathing, toileting, meals)

• Their condition has plateaued and won’t improve much further

• There are memory concerns such as dementia or Alzheimer’s

• They would benefit from social interaction and structured activities

Types of Assisted Living:

• Traditional Assisted Living: Help with daily activities, meals, and group events

• Memory Care: Secured units and specialized staff for Alzheimer’s and dementia

• Upscale Senior Communities: Concierge service, wellness classes, chef-prepared dining 🍽️

Real Testimonials 💬

"My aunt finished rehab at Orchard Park but still needed help with meals, dressing, and managing meds. Assisted living gave her a community and peace of mind." — Linda C.

"After Orchard Park, my grandfather wasn’t safe alone at home. Memory care has kept him safe and more socially engaged than he’s been in years." — Raymond H.

When You’d Need Hospice or Palliative Care

Sometimes Orchard Park discharges patients whose conditions are no longer improving. In these cases, hospice or palliative care can offer dignity, relief, and vital family support.

When Hospice or Palliative Care Is Needed:

• Terminal illness with 6 months or less to live, as determined by a doctor

• The goal is no longer recovery, but comfort and pain management

• The person is in frequent pain or distress

• Treatments have become burdensome or ineffective

Types of Care:

• Home Hospice: Nurse visits, pain management, spiritual support

• Inpatient Hospice: Full-time, facility-based care

• Palliative Home Care: Offers support for serious illness while continuing treatments

Real Testimonials 💬

"Orchard Park helped us recognize that Mom needed hospice. Caringene gave us caregivers who were gentle, present, and took the pressure off so we could just be with her." — Elena M.

"We chose palliative care after multiple hospitalizations. Orchard Park's team helped guide the transition, and Caringene was there for every step." — Marco R.

Comparison Table of Care Options

FAQs 🤔

When should I start planning care after Orchard Park?

Begin early—ideally when discharge is first discussed. This ensures you’re not scrambling last minute.

Can I book home care before discharge?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended. Caringene can arrange care to begin immediately after discharge.

What’s the difference between palliative and hospice care?

Palliative care can begin at any stage of illness and may accompany treatment. Hospice starts when treatments stop, typically with a prognosis under 6 months.

Does insurance cover home care?

Only if it’s medical home health care. Non-medical support (e.g., bathing, meals) is generally private-pay.

Can I change from home care to assisted living later?

Absolutely. Many families begin with home care and reassess as needs evolve.

Related Blog Posts 📚

• What Type of Care Do You Need After Parkshore Senior Living Community?

• What Type of Care Do You Need After Avamere Rehabilitation at Park West?

• What Type of Care Do You Need After Hallmark Manor?

• What Type of Care Do You Need After Garden Terrace Healthcare Center of Federal Way?

Need Help Right Away? Caringene provides trusted, flexible in-home support throughout King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties. Call or text us anytime—we’re available 24/7 💬