When your loved one is getting discharged from St. Anne Nursing & Rehab Center, you’re likely facing a whirlwind of emotions—relief, concern, and uncertainty about next steps. You’re not alone. Many families find this transition confusing, especially when trying to decide between home care, assisted living, or hospice.

This guide is here to help you understand your options clearly—and support you in making the best decision for your loved one’s safety, dignity, and comfort.

Discharge Process: What Happens Before Leaving St. Anne?

Discharge planning at St. Anne typically begins a few days to a week before the actual release date. The decision to discharge is made by the interdisciplinary care team, which includes:

• The attending physician

• Rehabilitation therapists

• Case managers

• Nursing staff

• The patient and family, when appropriate

They assess:

• Whether medical goals have been met (e.g., wound healing, rehab milestones)

• If the patient is medically stable and safe to leave

• Whether the patient will continue to need care at home or in another facility

What Families Should Prepare:

Once discharge is confirmed, here’s what you or your loved one will need to handle:

• Medication list: Know which prescriptions need to be filled, the dosage, timing, and potential side effects 💊

• Discharge summary: Includes diagnoses, treatments, care plans, and follow-ups

• DME (durable medical equipment): Such as walkers, commodes, hospital beds—ensure these are ordered ahead

• Appointment schedule: Any upcoming PT/OT, follow-up with primary care or specialists

• Home setup: Think safety rails, cleared pathways, and stocked pantry

🗂️ Pro tip: Keep all papers in one labeled folder and bring it to follow-up visits.

When You’d Need Home Care After St. Anne

Most patients coming out of St. Anne are stable—but still need help. That’s where home care comes in.

Home care is ideal when:

• Your loved one is stable but needs help with walking, bathing, cooking, or taking medications

• There’s no one available to provide consistent care at home

• You want to avoid hospital readmission

• You’d prefer to recover at home instead of moving to a facility

Services Typically Include:

“After my mom came home from St. Anne, we quickly realized she couldn’t be alone during the day. We started with Caringene for just 3 days a week and it changed everything. Her caregiver even helped her start walking again after a week.”—Linda M., Kirkland

Why Many Families Choose Caringene

Caringene stands out in the Greater Seattle area for home care that’s:

🧾 In-Home Care Comparison Table

🧠 Even a few hours a day from the right home caregiver can prevent re-hospitalization and give the family peace of mind.

When You’d Need Assisted Living After St. Anne

Not every family is equipped to provide care at home—and not every patient is safe to return there. In these cases, assisted living might be a better fit.

Assisted living is best when:

• Your loved one needs 24/7 supervision but not skilled medical care

• They’re prone to falls or medication errors

• Memory issues (like dementia) are present

• They feel lonely or isolated and would benefit from a social environment

• You’re worried about burnout as a family caregiver

Types of Assisted Living Facilities:

• Standard Assisted Living: Meals, basic care, staff on call

• Memory Care Units: Special staff, locked floors for safety, dementia programming

• Enhanced Care: For residents with some medical needs (e.g., diabetes management, catheter care)

“We brought my dad home after rehab, but the confusion and memory loss got worse. We eventually found a memory care facility that could really help. It’s hard letting go—but he’s safer now, and the staff knows what to do.”—David L., Bellevue

When You’d Need Hospice or Palliative Care After St. Anne

If your loved one has a life-limiting condition or frequent hospitalizations, hospice or palliative care may be recommended at discharge.

Key Differences:

Indicators That It’s Time:

• Advanced cancer, late-stage dementia, or severe heart/lung disease

• Multiple hospitalizations in past 6 months

• Weight loss, pain, or fatigue that limits function

• Your loved one says they’re “tired of fighting”

“We knew things were declining, and the doctors were honest about the prognosis. Hospice gave us support we didn’t know we needed—physical, emotional, and even spiritual.”—Fatima R., Seattle

Quick Comparison Table: Post-St. Anne Care Options

Related Blog Posts from Caringene:

Looking for more guidance on what to expect? Check out these resources:

• What Type of Care Do You Need After Washington Care Center?

• What Type of Care Do You Need After The Broadview Center?

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

• What Type of Care Do You Need After Puyallup Nursing and Rehabilitation Center?

• What Type of Care Do You Need After Mission Healthcare at Renton?

Final Thoughts

Leaving a skilled nursing facility like St. Anne can feel like being thrown into the deep end—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Whether your loved one needs help around the house, more structure, or end-of-life care, there are personalized options that fit every stage and budget.

Start with a conversation. Reach out to Caringene to learn about affordable home care starting at $35/hr. We serve King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties and are available 24/7.

📞 Call or text anytime. We’re here when you need us.