Aged care

Your journey home – understanding your discharge options

Why discharge planning matters

Planning for your discharge starts as soon as you’re admitted ensuring you receive the right care in the right place at the right time. Hospitals provide acute medical care, but once you no longer need this level of support, transitioning to an appropriate care setting is essential. This statewide approach helps ensure hospital beds remain available for patients with urgent medical and surgical needs.

What happens when you’re ready for discharge?

Once your doctor clears you, the hospital team will work with you and your family to determine the best next step for your care. This could be:

• Home with support – returning home with community services, rehabilitation or in-home care.
• Community care with virtual support (telehealth).
• Medi-hotel – a supported stay with medical oversight for those who need care but not hospital-level treatment.
• Time to think – a short-term option extra time and dedicated support to identify options and make decisions about aged care.
• Residential respite pilot – short term respite care for older Western Australians after a hospital stay.
• Transition care program – short term restorative care aimed to optimise the functioning and independence of older people after a hospital stay.
• Permanent aged care – moving to a residential aged care facility if home is no longer suitable.

Choosing the best option for you

We understand that transitioning out of hospital can be a big change. Hospital teams will help guide you through your options and ensure you have the ongoing support you need. While the aim is always to keep you close to home, placement depends on availability.

Next steps: what you need to do

• Talk to your care team early – discuss your preferences as soon as possible. This will start immediately from your admission and will involve your family/carer.
• Meet with the social workers and discharge planners – we’ll work with you, and your family/carer to find the best option for you.
• Prepare for the transition – if you’re going home, make sure support services are in place.

Need more information?

For detailed information about each discharge option, including eligibility, locations and available support services, check our dedicated discharge planning flyer (PDF 396KB).