In discharge planning for elderly, which domains should be considered?

• A. Cognitive abilities, ADLs (self-care), physical limitations, and instrumental ADLs (banking, cooking)
• B. Only medical diagnoses
• C. Only transportation needs
• D. Only family support

Answer: (A)

Discharge planning for older adults must be holistic, looking beyond diagnoses to how the person will manage daily life at home. The best approach evaluates cognitive abilities for safe medication management and decision-making, self-care ADLs such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting, physical limitations that affect mobility and fall risk, and instrumental ADLs like handling finances, cooking, shopping, and transportation. This comprehensive view helps determine whether discharge can be to home with or without services, or requires a transition to a higher level of support. Focusing only on medical diagnoses misses how daily functioning and safety at home truly impact a successful discharge, and limiting the plan to transportation or family support ignores the broader needs of independence and safety.