At DeSoto, residents are typically permitted to take some time away from the facility. Leaving DeSoto for non-medical reasons is referred to as “therapeutic leave” (defined as a home or family visit) or a temporary leave of absence (LOA). Note that non-medical leave is different from being formally discharged from a facility and from temporarily leaving a facility due to hospitalization or transfer to another health care facility.
Assuming the health of the resident permits and their doctor agrees, the resident can leave DeSoto for a few hours or days to spend time visiting with friends and/or family. Such a leave of absence must be arranged well in advance with DeSoto staff so they have time to prepare any medications the patient will need as well as instructions for the temporary family caregivers.
In addition, there are specific rules for these outings, depending on the resident’s method of payment. Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance all have different policies on top of the facility’s own unique regulations. Giving a facility plenty of notice will ensure there are no surprise costs, lapses in care or other misunderstandings if a resident decides to take a leave of absence.