When people with Diabetes, Heart Failure, COPD, or other chronic conditions return home after a hospital stay, it can be an uncertain time. It may be difficult for them to manage their condition on their own, and they may end up being readmitted to the hospital within a few weeks or months. Most would prefer to remain at home in the comfort of family, friends, and familiar surroundings, instead of having to go back to the hospital. And rehospitalization is quite costly.If you need home care services when you return from the hospital, look for a company that is committed to keeping patients with chronic conditions safe at home, and out of the hospital. You may need a comprehensive range of home health care services, including skilled nursing, therapy (physical, occupational, or speech), or home health aide or social work services. Be sure to enlist a company that works closely with hospital discharge planners, follows up with you after your discharge from the hospital, monitors your condition, and acts as a liaison between you and your primary care physician. Make sure the company has the clinical expertise that your condition requires, provides you with a treatment plan created especially for you, and is there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.If you have a chronic condition, its very important to understand the disease and your role in keeping it under control. Enlist a company that teaches techniques and methods to help you self-manage many aspects of your condition, and helps identify what you can do on an ongoing basis to improve your own health. Be sure you know what the signs and symptoms are when your condition may be worsening and when you may need to call your physician or your home health care company. By working with your home care company and taking charge of your own care, you can achieve the best possible health and highest possible level of independence. By managing your own chronic condition, a crisis can often be avoided, and you will be able to remain safely at home, where you want to be. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lynda Van Dyke, director of the Bayada Nurses office in Colorado Springs. For additional information, she can be reached at 719-598-9100