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After the Hospital
A new project is under way in Idaho to assist hospital discharge planners in locating community resources for people of any age with a disability or chronic illness when they leave hospital care. Called “person-centered hospital discharge planning”, community placements can decrease the sense of isolation among people with disabilities and their segregation into congregate settings. Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health is managing the 3-year project with funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Help for Rural Areas
The project is also interested in the unique challenges of rural areas. Of the 42 hospitals throughout Idaho, 26 are small, rural hospitals with 25 or fewer beds. Out of necessity, personnel resources for person-centered planning are limited and service provider shortages present barriers. The project seeks ways to enhance discharge planning options for rural Idahoans as well.