Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center (Hospital)

Coordinated Hospital Care for Older Adults in BoiseA hospital stay can become complicated quickly for an older adult.A senior may arrive because of a fall, stroke, heart problem, infection, surgery, breathing difficulty, or another serious condition. But treating the immediate diagnosis is often only one part of the situation.Many older adults also live with chronic health conditions. They may take several medications, use mobility equipment, have memory changes, or rely on family members for transportation and everyday support.That means good hospital care frequently involves more than one physician or department.For families in Boise and Ada County, Idaho, understanding how hospital services work together can make it easier to navigate a stressful medical event.Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center is a 381-bed medical-surgical and acute-care hospital at 1055 N. Curtis Road in Boise. Saint Alphonsus describes the hospital as its regional center for advanced medicine, with services spanning emergency and trauma care, heart and vascular medicine, stroke and neuroscience, orthopedics, cancer care, surgery, rehabilitation, palliative care, imaging, wound care, and other specialties.For older patients, the value of a regional hospital often comes from the ability to coordinate those services when several health needs overlap.Why Hospital Care Can Become More Complex With AgeAn older adult may enter the hospital for one condition while also managing several others.For example, someone admitted after a fall may also have:DiabetesHeart diseaseHigh blood pressureArthritisKidney diseaseMemory problemsMedication concernsLimited mobilityThese conditions can affect treatment decisions, recovery, discharge planning, and the amount of support required afterward.Families can help the hospital team by providing accurate information about:Current medicationsAllergiesPrevious diagnosesRecent surgeriesPrimary care providersSpecialistsNormal mobilityMemory or cognitive changesLiving arrangementsCaregiver Tip: Before an emergency happens, keep an updated medication and medical-history list somewhere easy to access. A simple printed copy can be extremely useful when several clinicians need information quickly.Emergency and Trauma Care for Serious Medical EventsMany hospital stays begin in the emergency department.Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center is designated a Level II Trauma Center through Idaho's Time Sensitive Emergency System and is verified as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons. Its trauma services include access to emergency medicine, trauma surgery, critical care, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, anesthesiology, and radiology.The hospital also operates what Saint Alphonsus describes as the region's only 24/7 orthopedic trauma program staffed by fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons.For older adults, advanced trauma services may become important after:Serious fallsHip or other fracturesHead injuriesMotor vehicle accidentsMultiple injuriesSignificant bleedingComplex orthopedic traumaOlder patients can be especially vulnerable after major injuries because chronic health conditions and medications may complicate treatment and recovery.Stroke Care Requires Immediate ActionStroke is another medical emergency in which time matters.Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center is designated a Level I Comprehensive Stroke Center by Idaho's Time Sensitive Emergency System. Saint Alphonsus describes this as the state's highest level of acute stroke care.Stroke symptoms can include sudden:Facial droopingArm weaknessSpeech difficultyBalance problemsVision changesSevere unexplained headacheSaint Alphonsus uses the BE FAST approach for recognizing stroke symptoms and emphasizes calling 911 immediately when warning signs occur.The hospital's stroke resources include specialized nursing, interventional neuroradiology, inpatient and outpatient therapy, and a telestroke network serving rural and underserved communities.For families, one of the most important things to remember is that stroke symptoms should never be watched at home to see if they improve.Call 911.Heart and Vascular Care in BoiseHeart problems are another major reason older adults may need hospital care.Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center is designated by Idaho's Time Sensitive Emergency Statewide Council as a Level I+ STEMI Center for treatment of the most serious form of heart attack. Saint Alphonsus states that the Boise hospital is the only hospital in the Treasure Valley with this designation.The medical center's cardiac and vascular services can be particularly relevant for older adults living with:Coronary artery diseaseHeart rhythm problemsHeart failureVascular diseasePrevious heart attacksMultiple cardiovascular risk factorsFamilies should call 911 for possible heart attack symptoms rather than trying to drive a seriously ill person to the hospital.Hospital Services May Need to Work TogetherOne reason a regional hospital can be important for an older patient is that the medical problem may cross several specialties.Consider an older adult who falls and fractures a hip.The patient may require:Emergency evaluationImagingOrthopedic surgeryMedication managementPhysical therapyDischarge planningRehabilitation after hospitalizationAnother person may arrive with a stroke and require emergency medicine, neurology, imaging, rehabilitation, and follow-up therapy.Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center lists a wide range of services, including orthopedics, neuroscience, physical therapy and rehabilitation, palliative care, surgical services, radiology, laboratory services, pulmonary care, wound care, and other specialties.For older adults with multiple needs, coordination becomes an important part of care.Geriatric Care Can Address Age-Related Health ConcernsSaint Alphonsus also operates a geriatrics program in Boise for older adults experiencing chronic illnesses, memory concerns, or other age-related health issues.The program includes physicians, pharmacists, and social workers who work with patients and families on areas such as:Medication concernsMemory and thinking changesFallsDepressionAnxietyIncontinenceActivities of daily livingTransportation and meal needsFuture healthcare planningFamily caregiver supportThese services can be valuable because hospitalization may uncover needs that were less obvious at home.A fall, for example, may lead a family to realize that medication side effects, mobility limitations, or memory changes also need attention.Palliative Care Can Provide Extra Support During Serious IllnessPalliative care is often misunderstood.It is not the same as hospice.Saint Alphonsus explains that palliative care is available for hospitalized patients with serious illness and may be provided at any stage of illness while other treatments continue.The goal is to help manage:PainDifficult symptomsStressCommunicationTreatment decisionsEmotional concernsSpiritual needsSaint Alphonsus' palliative-care team includes a physician, nurses, a social worker, and a chaplain. The team also helps coordinate care and hospital discharge when appropriate.For families facing a complicated diagnosis, asking whether palliative care may be appropriate can provide another layer of support.Rehabilitation May Begin Before the Patient Leaves the HospitalHospital recovery is not always about returning directly to the way life was before admission.An older adult may lose strength after several days in bed.A stroke may affect walking, speech, or coordination.A fracture may require a walker.Surgery may temporarily change endurance and independence.Saint Alphonsus includes physical therapy and rehabilitation among the services available through the Boise hospital and broader health system.Depending on the patient's needs, the next step after hospitalization could include:Inpatient rehabilitationSkilled nursing rehabilitationHome healthOutpatient therapyA home exercise programFamilies should ask about rehabilitation needs early rather than waiting until discharge day.Medication Review Is Especially Important for SeniorsOlder adults are more likely to take several medications.During hospitalization, medications may be:AddedDiscontinuedTemporarily heldChanged in doseReplacedBefore discharge, families should request an updated medication list.Ask:Which medicines are new?Which old medicines should stop?Have any doses changed?When should each medication be taken?Are there new side effects to watch for?Who should be contacted with questions?This can help prevent confusion when the patient returns home and finds older prescription bottles still in the medicine cabinet.Discharge Planning Should Begin EarlyGetting medically stable enough to leave the hospital does not always mean a senior can immediately return to their normal routine.Before discharge, families should understand:How safely the person can walkWhether a walker is neededWhether bathing assistance is requiredWhether the patient can manage medicationsWhat follow-up appointments are neededWhether therapy will continueWhether home health has been orderedWhich warning signs require medical attentionIf the patient lives alone, ask directly:Can this person safely stay home alone right now?Do not assume the answer based on how independent they were before hospitalization.Why Hospital Resources Matter in BoiseBoise had an estimated 238,429 residents in 2025, and approximately 16.2% were age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.As the area's senior population navigates chronic illness, falls, cardiovascular disease, stroke, surgery, and other health conditions, access to advanced hospital services remains an important part of the local senior-care network.For families throughout Boise and Ada County, local hospital care can also make it easier to participate in:Medical discussionsRehabilitation planningCaregiver educationDischarge preparationFollow-up careFamily involvement can be especially valuable when an older adult has multiple health conditions or needs help understanding a complicated care plan.Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Contact InformationSaint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center1055 N. Curtis RoadBoise, Idaho 83706Phone: 208-367-2121The Seniors Blue Book listing for Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center also identifies the Boise Curtis Road campus and categorizes the provider under hospitals.Families should confirm the correct department and location before scheduled appointments because Saint Alphonsus operates multiple hospitals, clinics, emergency departments, and specialty locations throughout the region.Questions Families Can Ask During a Hospital StayWho Is Coordinating the Overall Care Plan?When several specialists are involved, ask who can explain how the different parts of the plan fit together.Has the Medication List Changed?Request a current list before discharge.Is Therapy Needed?Ask whether physical, occupational, or speech therapy has been recommended.What Help Will Be Needed at Home?Understand whether the patient will require assistance with mobility, bathing, meals, or medications.What Happens Next?Know which physicians should be seen after discharge and when.Which Symptoms Are Warning Signs?Ask when to call the doctor and when to return to the emergency department.Frequently Asked Questions About Hospital Care for Older AdultsDoes an older adult always return home after hospitalization?No. Some patients return home independently, while others may need home health, rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, or another supportive setting.Can family members participate in discharge planning?Family or caregivers can often participate when the patient permits it and when doing so is appropriate. Families should ask the hospital team how they can be involved.What information should a family bring to the hospital?A current medication list, allergies, medical conditions, physician contacts, insurance information, and relevant legal healthcare documents can all be useful.Is palliative care the same as hospice?No. Palliative care can be provided alongside active treatment at any stage of serious illness. Hospice is generally associated with end-of-life care.Why might several specialists be involved in a senior's hospitalization?Older adults often have multiple medical conditions, and one event can affect several areas of health. Coordinated specialty care can help address the complete clinical picture.Hospital Care Is About More Than Treating One DiagnosisFor older adults, hospitalization is often a transition point.A medical emergency may reveal new mobility needs.A stroke may lead to rehabilitation.A fall may uncover medication or balance concerns.A serious illness may prompt conversations about goals of care.The immediate diagnosis matters, but so does what happens before, during, and after treatment.For seniors and caregivers looking for hospital services in Boise and Ada County, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center provides emergency and trauma care, comprehensive stroke treatment, cardiovascular services, orthopedics, neuroscience, surgery, rehabilitation, palliative care, imaging, and other hospital resources within a coordinated regional health system.Families can learn more through the Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center profile on SeniorsBlueBook.com, which includes the Boise location, contact information, and hospital listing details.For older adults and their families, understanding available services before a hospitalization becomes urgent can make it easier to ask the right questions, participate in planning, and prepare for the next stage of recovery.

At Saint Alphonsus, volunteers are a significant part of the healthcare team. We are proud of all our volunteers who freely give of their valuable time and talents to support our mission. Our volunteers have a very important role to play and help us build positive relationships with patients and family members. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, ranging from high school students to adults to seasonal visitors and retirees. Our volunteers work directly with people and provide behind the scenes support. Benefits of VolunteeringMake Someone's Day Better and Brighter!You have the power to help a Saint Al's patient have a better day by making them smile and providing a little sunshine with your words and actions. Finding ConnectionWhen we reach out to others, we make a connection, we find commonality and share a laugh. Often, it's as simple as asking how a patient's day is going; or finding out if they are native Idahoans or recently moved to the state; if they are Boise State fans; or the name of their favorite pet waiting for them at home. A Physical Feeling of FulfilmentSaint Alphonsus volunteers often boast of their higher-than-normal step count after a volunteer shift, but it's more than moving our bodies, it's feeling good about ourselves. Volunteers often experience a "helper's high," defined by psychologists as the brain releasing good chemicals after performing acts of kindness. In addition, people who volunteer have higher self-confidence and feelings of fulfillment. NetworkingWe have many high school and college students who volunteer to find out more about health care as a career. They work side-by-side with doctors and nursing. The backbone of our program, however, is retired adults. Our retirees enjoy working together and form friendships that bubble over into fun activities outside their volunteer careers. ThankfulnessWhen we help others, we have more empathy for others. And compassion often provides us with a frame of reference for our own situations. It may even help us be more appreciative of our own lives.                                                                                                                                                                                     Are you ready to benefit from volunteering?  Email us at [email protected]  Faith Community Nursing Health MinistrySaint Alphonsus Health System partners with houses of worship of all faith traditions and community organizations, in building and sustaining a Faith Community Nurse Health Ministry.   This ministry helps to meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of community members. The Saint Alphonsus Faith Community Nurse Health Ministry is a bridge between hospital, church and community.Faith Community NursingFaith Community Nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that focuses on the intentional care of the spirit, promotion of whole-person health and the prevention or minimization of illness within the context of a faith community and the wider community.   A Faith Community Nurse is a registered nurse with an intentional focus on spiritual health, who primarily uses interventions of education, counseling, prayer, presence, active listening, advocacy, and referral. Guided by the Scope and Standards of Faith Community Nursing, these nurses serve in community settings that are diverse in denomination, size, race, and ethnicity. Areas that a faith community nurse may assist community members with are: Health Educator Facilitates understanding of integration of health   and spirituality. Facilitates group education presentations Leads wellness activities Offers individuals/families appropriate resources   regarding health concerns Provides resources for grief / mental health well-being support Advocate Helps clients to access the   appropriate healthcare and   community resources.Supports members in positive  lifestyle changes. Home visits and Pet therapy Health MinsterA health minister is a person who feels a calling to serve their community by promoting whole-person health and wellness.   Health Ministers are educated with a preparation program provided by Saint Alphonsus.  After training they are encouraged to contribute their services to a Health Ministry Program,often under the guidance of a Faith Community Nurse or Health Ministry Team Leader.  Health Ministers are lead by guidelines from the Health Ministries Association www.HMASSOC.org For more information contact:Cari Moodie, RN, Coordinator,Faith Community NursingPhone: (208) 367-6494                  E-mail: [email protected]

A Safer Recovery Plan for Older AdultsLeaving the hospital is usually good news.The immediate medical crisis has been treated, the patient is stable enough to leave, and everyone is ready for familiar surroundings.For an older adult, however, hospital discharge can also be one of the most important stages of recovery.A senior who entered the hospital walking independently may leave using a walker. A new medication may have been added while another was discontinued. A person recovering from surgery may need help bathing or dressing. Someone treated for a serious illness may still become tired quickly or require nursing and therapy at home.For families in Boise and Ada County, Idaho, planning ahead can make the difference between a confusing return home and a safer, more organized recovery.Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, located at 1055 N. Curtis Road in Boise, is a 381-bed acute-care hospital offering emergency and trauma care, cardiovascular services, neuroscience, orthopedics, surgery, rehabilitation, palliative care, imaging, and other specialty services. The hospital's broad range of services means older adults may move through several departments before they are ready for discharge.Understanding what should happen next is just as important as understanding what happened in the hospital.Why Hospital Discharge Can Be More Complicated for SeniorsA hospital stay can temporarily change an older adult's abilities.Even when treatment has gone well, seniors may experience:WeaknessReduced enduranceBalance problemsDifficulty walkingChanges in medicationsPainDifficulty bathing or dressingChanges in appetiteNew equipment needsConfusion about follow-up appointmentsThese changes may be especially noticeable after surgery, stroke, serious infection, heart problems, or an extended hospital stay.The goal of discharge planning is not simply to get someone out of the hospital.It is to determine what the person will need to recover safely afterward.Discharge Tip: Before leaving the hospital, ask what the patient can safely do today, not what everyone hopes they will be able to do several weeks from now.That question can make home planning much more realistic.Start Discharge Planning Before the Last DayFamilies should begin asking about discharge as soon as the patient's condition becomes stable enough for the healthcare team to discuss next steps.Useful questions include:Is the patient expected to return home?Will someone need to stay with them?Is therapy recommended?Is home health appropriate?Will a walker or other equipment be needed?Have medications changed?Are dietary restrictions different?When are follow-up appointments?What symptoms require another call to the doctor?Waiting until the final hour can leave families scrambling to arrange transportation, prescriptions, equipment, and caregiving.Early planning creates time to prepare.Understand the Patient's New Level of IndependenceOne of the most important questions is:What can the patient safely do without help?Do not assume the answer is the same as it was before hospitalization.Ask specifically about:WalkingCan the patient walk independently?Do they need a walker, cane, or another device?TransfersCan they safely get out of bed and rise from a chair?ToiletingCan the person reach and use the bathroom independently?BathingIs a shower chair, grab bar, or caregiver assistance recommended?DressingCan the patient put on clothing safely without losing balance?MealsCan they prepare food, or should someone help temporarily?MedicationsCan the patient accurately manage a changed medication schedule?The answers help families determine how much support is really necessary.Medication Changes Need Careful AttentionHospitalization frequently leads to medication changes.A physician may:Add a new prescriptionStop an older medicationChange the dosageAdjust the scheduleRecommend an over-the-counter medication temporarilyThe problem is that older medication bottles may still be waiting at home.Before discharge, ask for a complete and current medication list.For every medication, understand:What it is calledWhat it treatsWhen it should be takenHow much should be takenWhether it replaces another medicationWhether there are important side effects to watch forIf instructions are unclear, ask before leaving.Medication confusion is much easier to address while the care team is still available.Rehabilitation May Continue After HospitalizationSome patients are medically ready to leave an acute-care hospital but are not yet ready to return to their previous level of independence.Rehabilitation can help bridge that gap.Saint Alphonsus lists physical therapy and rehabilitation among the services connected with its Boise medical center and broader health system.Depending on the patient's condition, continuing rehabilitation might involve:Inpatient rehabilitationSkilled nursing rehabilitationHome health therapyOutpatient physical therapyOccupational therapySpeech therapyA home exercise programThe right option depends on factors such as medical stability, mobility, endurance, cognition, home environment, and how much help is available from family.Inpatient Rehabilitation May Be Appropriate After Complex Illness or InjuryFor some patients, going directly home would not provide enough rehabilitation support.Saint Alphonsus Regional Rehabilitation Hospital is located near the Boise medical center and provides intensive inpatient rehabilitation for people recovering from conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injuries, and other complex conditions. Its rehabilitation model includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy along with rehabilitation nursing and physician involvement.A referral does not automatically mean someone will qualify.The rehabilitation team evaluates whether the patient needs and can participate in intensive inpatient rehabilitation.Families can ask the hospital team:Would inpatient rehabilitation be appropriate before returning home?Home Health Can Bring Skilled Care Into the HomeSome patients are able to return home but still need skilled services.Medicare describes home health as care that may include:Skilled nursingPhysical therapyOccupational therapySpeech-language pathologyMedical social servicesA doctor or other authorized healthcare provider must order qualifying home health services. When a patient is leaving a hospital or skilled nursing facility, a discharge planner may help coordinate the transition to a home health agency.Home health can be particularly helpful when an older adult:Has difficulty leaving the homeNeeds nursing monitoringHas a wound requiring skilled careNeeds physical therapy after hospitalizationRequires occupational or speech therapyNeeds caregiver education about ongoing careCoverage requirements vary, so families should confirm eligibility and insurance details rather than assuming every home service is covered.Home Health Is Not the Same as Non-Medical Home CareFamilies sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but they are different.Home health generally refers to medically necessary skilled services ordered by a healthcare provider.Non-medical home care may assist with everyday tasks such as:BathingDressingMeal preparationLight housekeepingTransportationCompanionshipSupervisionAn older adult may need one, the other, or both.Understanding the difference can make discharge planning much clearer.Take a Fresh Look at the Home EnvironmentA home that worked perfectly before hospitalization may be harder to navigate afterward.Walk through the home while imagining that the person is weaker or using a walker.Check:EntrywaysAre there stairs?Are railings secure?Can the patient manage the threshold?HallwaysIs there enough space for a walker?BathroomCould grab bars or a shower chair improve safety?BedroomCan the patient safely get in and out of bed?FloorsRemove loose rugs and unnecessary clutter.LightingMake sure routes to the bathroom are well lit at night.Small changes can reduce unnecessary risk during early recovery.Falls Deserve Extra Attention After HospitalizationAn older adult who is weak, dizzy, taking new medications, or learning to use a mobility device may be at increased risk of falling.Before going home, ask the therapy or nursing team whether there are specific fall-prevention recommendations.Families may need to consider:Clear walking pathsProper footwearAssistive devicesBathroom equipmentImproved lightingSupervision during early recoveryA senior may feel eager to prove they are independent.Encourage safe progress rather than rushing recovery.Plan Transportation Before It Is NeededMany seniors leave the hospital with follow-up appointments already scheduled or recommended.These can include visits with:Primary careCardiologyOrthopedicsNeurologySurgeryOncologyRehabilitation specialistsPhysical therapistsIf the patient is newly using a walker or wheelchair, transportation may require more planning than before.Ask:Can the patient safely get into a car?Does someone need to accompany them?Will wheelchair-accessible transportation be needed?Transportation should be part of discharge planning, not an afterthought.Keep Follow-Up Appointments OrganizedThe first few weeks after hospitalization can involve several providers.Use a calendar or one written list containing:Appointment dateTimeProviderLocationPurpose of visitTransportation planBring the hospital discharge paperwork and medication list to follow-up visits.That helps the next provider understand what changed during the hospitalization.Palliative Care May Help During Serious IllnessSome hospitalizations involve an advanced or complicated illness.Saint Alphonsus provides palliative care for hospitalized patients with serious illnesses. Its palliative-care program focuses on pain, symptoms, stress, communication, and quality of life while coordinating with the patient's primary medical team. Palliative care can be provided while disease-directed treatment continues and is not the same as hospice.Palliative-care teams may also help families understand treatment choices and coordinate discharge needs.For families overwhelmed by a complicated medical situation, it can be reasonable to ask:Would a palliative-care consultation help us understand the plan and manage symptoms?Some Boise Seniors May Benefit From House CallsTransportation itself can become a barrier after hospitalization.Saint Alphonsus operates a House Calls Program for people with chronic illnesses who have difficulty traveling. The program can include in-home provider visits, medication advice, assistance evaluating daily-living needs, transportation guidance, future healthcare planning, and caregiver support.Saint Alphonsus states that regular medical providers can arrange the first house call for qualifying patients.This may provide another local resource for certain Boise-area seniors whose health temporarily makes clinic visits difficult.Know Who to Call If Something ChangesBefore discharge, families should understand what symptoms require:A routine call to the providerSame-day medical adviceAn urgent-care visitA return to the emergency departmentA call to 911The answer will depend on the patient's diagnosis.Do not leave the hospital without knowing the major warning signs.Write them down.Watch for Changes During the First Few Days HomeThe first few days can reveal challenges that were not obvious in the hospital.Pay attention to changes such as:Increased weaknessDifficulty breathingFeverWorsening painNew confusionFallsDifficulty eating or drinkingMedication problemsNew swellingProblems with a surgical woundFollow the discharge instructions for whom to contact.For severe or life-threatening symptoms, call 911.Caregivers Need a Realistic Plan TooFamily support can be extremely valuable, but caregivers should be realistic about what they can manage.Ask:Does someone need to stay overnight?Who will prepare meals?Who will transport the patient?Who will manage prescriptions?Can one caregiver safely help with transfers?Is professional assistance needed?A plan that relies entirely on one exhausted family member may not be sustainable.It is better to identify gaps before the patient returns home.Why This Matters in BoiseAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, Boise had an estimated population of 238,429 in 2025, and 16.2% of residents were age 65 or older.That represents tens of thousands of local older adults who may eventually navigate surgery, hospitalization, chronic disease, injury, or rehabilitation.For Boise and Ada County families, understanding local hospital and post-acute care resources can make transitions less overwhelming.The goal is not simply to leave the hospital.The goal is to move into the right next level of care.Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in BoiseSaint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center1055 N. Curtis RoadBoise, Idaho 83706Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center provides a wide range of hospital and specialty services including emergency care, orthopedics, cardiovascular medicine, neuroscience, surgery, palliative care, and physical therapy and rehabilitation.Because individual services, referrals, insurance requirements, and follow-up plans vary, families should confirm specific arrangements directly with the patient's care team.Questions to Ask Before Hospital DischargeBefore leaving, consider asking:What Can the Patient Safely Do Alone?Get clear guidance about walking, bathing, dressing, toileting, and meals.Have Any Medications Changed?Ask for a current medication list.What Equipment Is Needed?Confirm whether a walker, wheelchair, shower chair, or other equipment has been recommended.Will Therapy Continue?Ask whether home health, outpatient therapy, skilled nursing, or inpatient rehabilitation is appropriate.When Are the Follow-Up Appointments?Know who the patient needs to see and when.What Symptoms Should Concern Us?Understand exactly when to call the provider or seek emergency treatment.Frequently Asked Questions About Returning Home After HospitalizationDoes every senior need home health after leaving the hospital?No. Home health is ordered when skilled services are medically necessary and the patient meets applicable requirements. Some patients recover without home health, while others need therapy, nursing, or another level of care.Can a patient choose a home health agency?Medicare states that patients generally have a say in the Medicare-certified home health agency they use, although choices can be affected by agency availability, insurance coverage, or a Medicare Advantage network.Is inpatient rehabilitation the same as a nursing home?No. Inpatient rehabilitation hospitals provide intensive rehabilitation combined with hospital-level nursing and medical oversight. Skilled nursing facilities and residential nursing homes operate under different care models.What if the senior is not safe to be home alone?Tell the hospital team before discharge. The care team can discuss whether additional caregiving, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, home health, or another setting should be considered.Is recovery complete when a patient leaves the hospital?Often it is not. Many older adults continue recovering through therapy, home health, physician follow-up, medication management, and gradual return to normal activities.The Best Discharge Plan Looks Beyond the Hospital DoorA successful hospitalization is not only about treating the medical problem.It is also about helping the patient move safely into the next phase of recovery.For an older adult, that may mean returning home with family assistance.It may mean home health.It may mean inpatient rehabilitation.It may mean temporary skilled nursing care or continued outpatient therapy.For seniors and caregivers seeking hospital care in Boise and Ada County, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center offers acute hospital services alongside rehabilitation, palliative care, specialty medicine, and connections to additional healthcare resources throughout the Saint Alphonsus system.Families can also find the hospital through the Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center listing on SeniorsBlueBook.com for local contact and senior-resource information.The most important question before leaving the hospital is not simply, Are we going home?It is:What do we need so that going home is safe?Asking that question early can help families prepare for a smoother transition, reduce confusion, and give older adults the support they need to continue recovering after hospitalization.

Understanding and Caring for Memory Loss at Saint Alphonsus Memory Center The Saint Alphonsus Memory Center, located in the Treasure Valley, operates three outpatient multidisciplinary clinics dedicated to the prevention, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment of Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) and mild cognitive impairment. Our expert team includes geriatricians, a neurologist, advanced practice practitioners specializing in dementia, a geriatric psychiatrist, clinical pharmacists, social workers, a chaplain, and administrative assistants. Patients and caregivers can self-refer through our website, by phone at 208-302-5400, or via referral from their primary care providers. We welcome individuals at any stage of their journey with memory loss, offering support for prevention, early detection, and treatment, including for those with advanced dementia. For those in the early stages, our Brain Health Program focuses on optimizing cognitive function through lifestyle medicine. This program targets 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which account for around 45% of cases, including hypertension, obesity, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, low educational attainment, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, depression, physical inactivity, social isolation, diabetes, high LDL, vision loss and air pollution. Our team helps patients identify their strengths and risk factors, setting SMART goals to significantly reduce dementia risk and improve brain health. We provide resources and regular follow-ups to support patients in their brain health journey. All patients receive a comprehensive evaluation from our dementia experts, with additional team members involved as needed. Even for those with a well-established diagnosis, our team can assist by explaining disease progression, connecting patients and caregivers to resources, optimizing health, supporting emotional and spiritual needs, and planning for the future. Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Kara Kuntz, Medical Director for the Saint Alphonsus Memory Center, who can be reached at 208-302-5400.