When a senior returns home from a trip to the hospital, families have to be prepared for changes.

We like to think of them as invincible but at some point, one of our elders may be hospitalized. At this point, the family must be pro-active about their release.

"Well, I think they firstly should be aware of the fact that hospitals are busier, they are discharging people sooner than in the past and there may not be that much preparation for the family," said Sue Cornish, from Eldercare Resources.

The family must create what's called a "discharge plan."

"But they have to do it pretty quickly after the person's admitted because there often isn't a lot of time to prepare for discharge. It may be Friday they say 'we're discharging tomorrow.' And then you have to scurry around," said Cornish.

Depending on the institution, help with discharge planning may be available, but not always.

"Sometimes families will be given a list of resources and that's a little bit overwhelming for a lot of families," said Cornish.

Eldercare Resources offers a variety of services for seniors whose lifestyles have changed as a result of hospitalization.

"Help coming into the home, home delivered meals, transportation - any kind of service that might be needed. Maybe to go out to adult day care to provide relief for the caregiver at home," said Cornish.

The tense and sometimes traumatic time during hospitalization may not be the best atmosphere for coming up with an immediate plan. It may be best for the family of the elder to discuss alternative scenarios. In any event -

"It's incumbent upon the family to say to a - perhaps a doctor but mainly I would say to the floor nurse on the day time, could we speak to a social worker, could we speak to a discharge planner," said Cornish.

For more information on Eldercare Services click here.