Home First: Patient-Centered Approach to Supporting Discharge Home

The hospital is here to meet your needs during times of sudden illness or need for surgery. The goal of Home First is to assist you to access the supports you need to help you return home. Your hospital care team will work with you to achieve this goal. Working with our community partners our Home First philosophy is about making every effort to support patients to return home after their hospital stay.

• From the day you arrive at the hospital and as you are getting better, the hospital care team is planning for your safe return home.
• The hospital team will meet with you and your caregivers to discuss the community services available to support your transition home.
• Hospital social workers will work with the Ontario Health at Home Coordinator to assist you in planning for your return home.
• If you were already receiving services at home before coming to hospital, your hospital care team will work with you and your family and/or caregivers to ensure you receive appropriate supports when you return home.

At home you are able to:

• Recover in a more familiar environment with the support of family and friends.
• Receive support from community agencies as needed.
• Have more time to contemplate plans for your future care if necessary.
• Reduce the risk of losing strength from lack of mobility in hospital.
• Reduce the risk of contracting hospital acquired infections.
• Continue to regain strength through participating in your usual activities.
• More likely to maintain or improve your ability to perform your daily activities.

If you have any questions about returning home, please speak with the social worker on your unit.