From The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

While caregivers face a range of challenges every day, few can generate as much concern and uncertainty as trying to successfully manage a transition in care from the hospital to home setting.

That’s why the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Ask Medicare initiative has developed two new videos to help caregivers and their loved ones successfully navigate the process. The videos present tips that are practical and easy to follow – and they highlight resources that are available for additional support.

The first video Tips for Making a Hospital to Home Transition provides insights and expert guidance on important issues caregivers need to plan for, and manage, when bringing a loved one back home from the hospital. It offers advice on maintaining effective dialogues with health care providers, preparing the home for new equipment needs, planning for additional expenses, and more.

The second video highlights a detailed checklist, the Planning for your Discharge Guide, which CMS has developed to help caregivers – and their loved ones – walk through a range of questions that need to be answered to ensure a successful and stress-free future of in-home care.

Please visit the Ask Medicare web site at www.medicare.gov/caregivers to view these and other helpful resources, including our free e-newsletter, real caregiver stories, targeted tips and tools. And please share them with others who may benefit from the information.

Because the more we all know about the challenges and joys of caregiving, the more we can support those who do so much for others.

Thank you,

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services