Most medical mistakes happen during care transitions. Helen and Jerry have some tips on improving those crucial moves between care providers and settings.  Care transitions are changes in a patient’s care setting or care provider.  Patients may move from living at home to residing in a facility, or make a transition from home health to hospice care.  Maybe the care transition is from one hospice team to another, or from the outpatient hospice staff to the inpatient hospice unit for crisis management.  Communication is key!  If you’re a patient or a caregiver, make sure to ask your questions and repeat them if you need to.  Write down the answers and keep those written instructions close by for easy access.  Don’t be afraid to make a follow up phone call after a care transition has happened.  If you’re a healthcare provider, it’s your responsibility to make those transitions successful by providing full support and education to patients and their caregivers.  Repeat instructions patiently, and provide written medication lists and instructions that are easy to read and understand. You can find more support and education about end of life care at theheartofhospice.com.  We’re here 24/7 to help you with information about hospice philosophy, self care, and advance care planning.  Your organization can have Jerry or Helen to speak at your next event or conference by sending an email to [email protected]. Stay connected with us - you are The Heart of Hospice!