Discharge Planning: Preparing for the Next Step
Discharge planning begins early in your loved one’s treatment at Mississippi State Hospital. The goal is to develop a safe, supportive plan for the next step in care and help your loved one transition successfully to the community or another appropriate level of care.
As treatment progresses, the treatment team will assess your loved one’s needs and work with the patient, family, and community partners, when appropriate, to prepare for discharge.
What May Be Included in Discharge Planning?
The plan may address:
- Housing or living arrangements
- Follow-up medical and behavioral health care
- Medications and ongoing treatment needs
- Transportation
- Community services and resources
- Employment, education, or other meaningful activities
- Family and community support
- Safety and crisis planning
The discharge plan is individualized and may change as your loved one’s needs and progress change.
How Can Families Help?
Families can be an important part of successful discharge planning. When appropriate and with the patient's consent, families can help by:
- Sharing concerns and relevant information with the treatment team
- Identifying available family, community, and other supports
- Helping explore housing and transportation options
- Participating in treatment and discharge planning discussions
- Asking questions about ongoing care and services
Before Discharge
The treatment team will work to help ensure that patients and, when appropriate, their families understand the discharge plan.
Before your loved one leaves Mississippi State Hospital, make sure you understand:
- Where your loved one will go
- What services and follow-up care are needed
- What medications and treatments are planned
- Who to contact with questions or concerns
- What to do in a crisis or if concerns arise
Discharge is not simply the end of hospitalization; it is the next step in your loved one’s ongoing care and recovery. Our goal is to help each patient leave with the appropriate supports, services, and resources to continue making progress.