America has a very developed health system, accessible to all. Although it can be very complex and frustrating at times, we have come a long way from the healthcare organizations of yesterday. Previously, most healthcare facilities were places where the sick were housed and cared for until they died. Doctors rarely practiced in hospitals and only those who were lucky could afford proper care at home or in private clinics. Today, the standard of health care has greatly excelled. Currently, the goal of our health care is to provide a continuum of patient care, integrated at all levels. Many hospitals offer a referral service or discharge plan for patients being discharged from the hospital. Plans for the patient are discussed with a discharge planner. The discharge planner is a person trained to assess what the patient's health care needs will be after discharge from the hospital. This allows the patient to continue! their care at the level that suits them best. Elements considered for discharge planning include, but are not limited to, therapies, medication needs, living arrangements, and identification of specific goals. Some of the options available to people discharged from an acute care hospital may include home health care, assisted living, long-term care, or hospice care. Home Health Care According to Growing Old in America (1996), “Home health care is one of the fastest growing segments of the health care industry” (p. 114). Alternatives to home care can meet both a patient's medical and non-medical needs. . These services are provided to patients and their families in their homes or places of residence. Home care is a method of providing nursing care and other therapies according to the needs of the patient. Many alternatives are available for people seeking home health care. With portable technologies such as durable medical equipment, oxygen supplies, and intravenous fluids, there are countless opportunities for at-home treatment. As noted in The Long-Term Care Continuum, “home health programs range from formal organizations providing skilled nursing care to relatively informal networks that arrange housekeeping for friends” (p. 185). This allowed home care to quickly become middle of paper. The regulatory agencies that set standards for hospice care are Medicare, the National Hospice Organization, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of HealthCare Organizations (JCAHO), and state hospice agencies. I have found that the medical record contents of a hospice program contain a large amount of identifying information regarding the patient and their primary caregiver(s). All aspects of patient care are well documented and ensure continuous, well-coordinated care. The medical record acts as a communication tool between different members of the team and is used continuously throughout the patient's care. Conclusion Although there are many options other than those listed for health care after discharge from a hospital, the most important aspect for a person is to be knowledgeable and knowledgeable about the variety of options available . It can be very confusing, especially for a senior, when talking about finances, regulations, and what is and is not covered. It is our responsibility, as..