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Patient Responsibilities

Health Care Directives

Under the Patient Self-Determination Act, you have the right to make decisions about your care. If you choose to have a Health Care Directive (also called a living will or durable power of attorney), please make those arrangements before you come to the hospital and bring a copy of it with you. For information about Health Care Directives, call Social Services,
218-249-5376.

Patient/Family Responsibilities

St. Luke’s supports these patient responsibilities:

  • Being considerate of other patients by limiting your visitors and maintaining a quiet atmosphere, such as keeping the volume low on your television and radio.
  • Providing your caregivers with complete information on matters relating to your health.
  • Reporting any unexpected changes in your care or medical condition.
  • Reporting any perceived risks with your care.
  • Asking questions to clarify when you do not understand what your physician or nurses have told you.
  • Questioning any medication or treatment that you are not aware of or do not understand.
  • Reporting any concerns about your ability to follow and comply with treatment.
  • Reporting noise disturbances, unusual odors or potentially unsafe equipment.
  • Using medical supplies appropriately and respecting hospital property.
  • Following hospital rules, such as using only those appliances approved for use.

Your Role in Recovery

Recovery is hard work. As a patient, you have an important role to play in your recovery. Your nurses will show you how to help yourself in your care. Taking an active role in your care enhances your recovery.

Going Home

Discharge planning begins when you are admitted. St. Luke’s staff will help you find the services and assistance to meet your needs after you leave the hospital. There are many reasons why careful and timely discharge planning is needed. Many insurance companies, including Medicare, require that a patient meet very specific criteria for insurance coverage in the hospital. Also, it is often difficult for your doctor to predict when you will be ready for discharge. If discharge planning starts early, then you and your family won’t have to make hurried decisions.

Before you leave the hospital, we will make sure you:

  • understand how to care for yourself after you leave the hospital.
  • understand how to obtain necessary medications.
  • reclaim any valuables placed in safekeeping.
  • have transportation home.
  • have someone to call if you have questions.

Home Care and Hospice

St. Luke’s Home Health Care and Hospice Duluth® can provide additional care, if needed, in your home after you are discharged. Experienced, caring staff assist with everything from nursing and therapies to personal care and light housekeeping. Medically necessary services ordered by your doctor are generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. Personal care services are also available on a private pay basis. In addition, our Medicare-certified home hospice program is available to provide pain and symptom management and other support services to terminally ill patients both in the home and in the hospital. For more information, call St. Luke’s Home Care at 218-249-6111 or Hospice Duluth® at 218-249-6100.

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