Who are care partners?
Anyone the patient designates can become a care partner. Care partners must be at least 18 years of age.
The Care Partner Program provides education for discharge planning to make sure patients go home as soon as possible and can stay there. The care partner is someone the patient feels comfortable with in the hospital setting and at home.
Family, friends and significant others are a vital part of the healing process. The Care Partner Program recognizes the healing power of familiar faces. It provides an opportunity for loved ones to be involved in patient care.
Care partner guidelines
Care partners will be educated by unit nurses or nursing assistants in order to assist the patient during the hospital stay and discharge.
While only one care partner can be identified for tracking purposes, Bayhealth team members are always willing to work with families to make sure family members and caregivers are equipped to care for loved ones who are being discharged.
Responsibilities of care partner may include, but are not limited to, any of the following activities listed here.
Care partner responsibilities
- Act as a spokesperson to family/friends regarding patient’s progress
- Provide personal care
- Assist with menu selection and feeding
- Learn simple dressing changes
- Assist with walking/wheelchair trips
- Manage comfort of patient (blankets, pillows, etc.)
- Discharge planning, which may include wound care, medication management, after care tasks
- This program aligns with Delaware’s Lay Caregiver Law implemented in 2017
Goals of the care Partner Program
- To enhance the involvement of family, friend, and significant other in the hospital experience.
- To provide the opportunity for care partners to participate in patient education and discharge planning as well as the physical, emotional and spiritual support of patients.