HOME & COMMUNITYPolicy No.: PM-2-120

SUPPORT SERVICESRevised: Jan 2016

--OF GREY-BRUCE--Effective Date:Dec/04

Page: 1 of 2

SECTION: PROGRAM MANUAL

TOPIC: GENERIC PROGRAM POLICIES

POLICY TITLE: DISCHARGE

POLICY STATEMENT

The client shall be discharged from the service if they meet any of the following criteria:

  1. the client has moved out of the geographic boundaries
  2. the client has moved into a Long Term Care facility (does not apply to MOVIN’GB)
  3. the client has been inactive for a period of nine months or more
  4. the defined period for providing service due to an acute illness/injury has expired
  5. the client/caregiver refuses services
  6. the client’s behavior places him/her or others in an unsafe situation and all means to modify/control the behavior have been exhausted
  7. the client engages in an illegal activity while utilizing the transportation service, on the property of HCSS or while in the presence of any HCSS employee or volunteer
  8. the client develops a medical condition that is beyond the capabilities of the staff or volunteer offering the service
  9. the client refuses to pay for the service and all other alternatives have been exhausted
  10. the client does not send required signed documents and agreements to our offices.

In the event of the latter four reasons forcing discharge, the client/caregiver will be informed of the discharge in writing and of the right to appeal the decision.

PROCEDURE

  1. Day Away clients will be discharged upon request (usually due to hospitalization, illness, etc.). However, if a Day Away client has been absent from the program for a period of four weeks, the client will be discharged.
  1. If a Housekeeping client is unable to keep their regularly scheduled appointment they will be discharged according to the following criteria: weekly service - four consecutive missed visits, biweekly service - two consecutive missed visits, monthly service - two consecutive missed visits.
  1. If a MOVIN’GB client has been a no-show for their scheduled pickup on three separate occasions within a six-month period they will be discharged from this service.
  1. In event there is a waiting list for a service, once a client is discharged, their placement in the program will be given to the next person on the waiting list, if capacity allows admission to the service.
  2. The date and reason for discharge will be documented on the client’s chart. This will be added into the CIMS data base.
  1. If behavior issues, or an extensive medical condition are forcing discharge, the client/caregiver will be notified by the Family and Client Care Coordinator.Options will be explored to attempt to avert discharge from the service.
  1. See Policy ADM 4-20 (Overdue Accounts) for issues regarding refusal to pay.
  1. If all avenues have been exhausted the Family and Client Care Coordinator may request a meeting with their immediate supervisor and the client/caregiver.The purpose of this meeting is to review reasons for discharge, the actions taken to avoid discharge and to assist the client/caregiver in arranging alternative supports. The outcome of this meeting will be documented in the client’s chart.
  1. If the agency is initiating discharge and the client/caregiver would like to continue receiving the service, the staff member directly involved with the client will inform the client of the Appeals Process. (See policy PM-2-140)
  1. If the client has moved and/or is seeking admission to another service or long term care facility, staff will assist with referral to alternate services.
  1. Client's records will be handled according to the Records Retention policy (PM-1-60). Records will not be released without the client's consent.
  1. When appropriate,Family and Client Care Coordinator may maintain contact on a time limited basis with the caregiver/client after the client’s discharge to ensure appropriate support systems are in place.