Hospital at Home
Hospital at Home is a proven, innovative program that provides an alternative to traditional hospitalization. Hospital at Home gives eligible patients the choice to receive hospital-level services in the comfort of their own home.
What to expect
Although you will be at home, you will be registered as an in-patient of VGH and remain under the care of a hospital doctor and care team. You will continue to receive safe, effective and quality care from health-care providers who are experienced in hospital medicine and acute care. Your care team will:
- Provide daily in-person visits supplemented by virtual care and monitoring
- Provide medicines, wound care and take lab/blood samples
- Supply all of the health-care equipment you will need (e.g. blood pressure monitor, oxygen level, tablet, etc.)
- Coordinate diagnostic tests or medical imaging (e.g. x-ray, MRI, CT, etc.), including your transportation.
While in the Hospital at Home program, you will be able to call your care team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you do not feel safe, your condition changes or you no longer wish to participate, we will coordinate your transfer to VGH.
Safe and effective model of care
Hospital at Home is an internationally recognized model that has been operating in countries across the world for more than 20 years. It is also a growing trend in British Columbia. It is already available in other regions in the province such as Island Health, Northern Health and Providence Health Care at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Research studies have shown that this type of care provides the same or better care than traditional hospitalization.
Only those patients who meet our strict eligibility criteria can safely receive this type of care. After admission to hospital, a Hospital at Home doctor will assess your medical requirements and determine if this program will meet your care needs.
Enrollment in the Hospital at Home program is voluntary.
Integrating Virtual Care Technology
At home, patients have access to physicians, registered nurses and multi-disciplinary health-care teams. Patients can go home with acute care services provided through a mix of in-person and virtual visits with all members of the health-care team, remote monitoring through the use of virtual technologies, and 24/7 access to nursing. You will always be in the care of our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do I do if I need help? How do I contact the hospital?
While in the Hospital at Home program, you can call us any time at (604) 875-4111 Ext 62211 to connect with your care team, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Who is going to be coming to my home?
Your care team may include:
- Hospital doctor
- Nurse
- Pharmacist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Social Worker
- Care Management Leader
- Indigenous Patient Navigator
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How can my nurse monitor me when I’m at home?
Hospital at Home clinicians will be able to monitor your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level and more, depending on your care needs) remotely using virtual care technology.
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Do I need internet at home?
You do not need to have a home internet connection to be eligible for the Hospital at Home program. The tablets that are provided to patients use cellular data to securely connect with your care team. Your nurse will check that your tablet is charged every day.
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Do I need to buy any special equipment?
No, a Hospital at Home nurse will bring any equipment that you need to your home when you arrive from the hospital.
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Will I need someone at home to be a caregiver?
No. To be eligible for the Hospital at Home program, you do not need to have a caregiver at home to support you. You are welcome to have added support from friends or family at any point should you prefer it.
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Will I be provided with meals, like in hospital?
You will be able to enjoy your usual food at home. If any dietary restrictions are required, a clinical dietician will assist you in meal planning.
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How am I referred to Hospital at Home?
VGH and UBCH patients are screened for the Hospital at Home program by their treating team in consultation with you—the patient, the Hospital at Home physician, and the Hospital at Home team. You will be enrolled if you meet the program’s eligibility criteria, it aligns with your care needs, and you want to participate.
Enrollment in the Hospital at Home program is voluntary. If you wish to return to the hospital at any point, you will be readmitted to the hospital.
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Can I come back to hospital if I change my mind about Hospital at Home?
Yes, if you wish to return to the hospital at any point, we will organize your readmission at VGH. You may also need to return for some tests and procedures during your Hospital at Home stay.
Resources
Contact us
For questions or immediate assistance please call (604) 875-4111 Ext 62211.
