Hospital at Home

Hospital-level care from the comfort of home

When you’re in need of hospital care but wish to recover at home, Aurora Health Care has an option that could be right for you. With our Hospital at Home program, we bring high-quality acute care for serious health conditions right to your doorstep, so you can rest and recover safely in a familiar space.

What’s acute care at home?

Designed for eligible patients needing short-term hospital care, Hospital at Home combines video visits, remote monitoring technology and in-home visits to bring care to you. Whether you’re recovering from an illness or surgery, your dedicated care team will watch your health closely – including your medications, vitals, imaging and labs – and be available 24/7 if your needs change.

At this time, Hospital at Home is offered at Aurora Medical Center - Grafton. Ask your provider if Hospital at Home is right for you.

Hospital at Home services

Though everyone’s needs are different, our specialists offer the below services:

• Hospital-level care for people ages 18 and older
• A 24-hour comprehensive care team, including an on-call doctor and nurse, who treat and monitor you virtually using telehealth
• In-person visits from an in-home care team, who can place IVs, take vitals and listen to your heart and lungs
• 24-hour monitoring of your heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen levels
• Complete coordination of care, including daily care plans, appointments and referrals
• Food, supplies and other care necessities delivered to your home, just as they would be delivered to your room in the hospital
• Easy, immediate connection to emergency care and emergency services if needed
• Access to translation services

What’s a Hospital at Home comprehensive care team?

Our Hospital at Home care team includes:

• Hospitalist: A hospitalist is a doctor who cares for patients receiving hospital-level care. They’ll help coordinate all of your needs virtually, from care management to discharge planning, and stay in close contact with your care team.
• In-home care team: While most of your care is done virtually, you'll receive in-person visits from an in-home care team. This team checks vitals, delivers medical equipment and inserts IVs if needed, and works closely with your entire care team.
• Virtual nurse: In addition to a hospitalist, you'll have a virtual nurse available 24/7. They’ll monitor your vitals remotely and stand ready to address any concerns that come up.
• Navigator: Your navigator has extensive experience and training in both bedside nursing and Hospital at Home. They help coordinate your care every step of the way.
• Social worker: A social worker supports you and your family and guides you to any patient support resources you may need.

And since you’re an Aurora Health Care patient, you’ll also have seamless access to our network of specialists and integrated services, including our pharmacy and physical, speech and occupational therapists.

What to expect if you qualify for Hospital at Home

Admission to the program

During admission, you’ll meet with a trained navigator. They’ll help you understand the program, complete a few screenings and answer any questions you may have.

When you’re ready, we’ll transport you home safely. Members of our team will set up the simple technology needed for your care and teach you how to use it. This includes a wireless monitor and a screen that shows important day-to-day details about your care. Your safety is our top priority, which is why all technology is controlled by you and includes special features to protect your health information.

If you have a caregiver at home with you, our Hospital at Home team will also take the time to help educate and support them so they can support you with confidence.

Virtual and in-person care at home

Our team will organize all your care, including your daily care plan, medications, appointments and referrals to subspecialists if needed.

In addition to video visits with Aurora Health Care doctors and nurses, you'll receive in-person visits from your in-home care team. They’ll come to your home twice daily to give your medications and check your vital signs. For your safety and convenience, our team will always wear uniforms with badges and have set appointment times, so there are no surprise visits.

Discharge and continued support

Once you feel better and are discharged from our care, we’ll follow up with your provider and stay in close touch. We’ll remain available to coordinate additional appointments or care as needed, including finding a dedicated provider for your continued care.

If needed and if you qualify, we can admit you to our Continued Health program for advanced or palliative care in your home. Your provider will discuss the next steps and goals for your care with you before you’re discharged.