Glossary
Discharge planner
Also called: Hospital case manager, Social worker
A discharge planner is the hospital or rehab staff member, usually a nurse or social worker, responsible for arranging where a patient goes and what care they need when they leave.
When a hospital says a parent cannot safely go home, the discharge planner is the person coordinating the move, often on a deadline of a day or two. Senior Places works with discharge planners to place families quickly.
Related terms
Skilled nursing facility (SNF)
A skilled nursing facility is a licensed medical setting providing 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation, for short-term recovery after a hospital stay or for long-term care of people who need continuous nursing.
Placement agency
A placement or referral agency helps families find a senior living community and is paid a referral fee by the community when the family moves in.
Definitions reviewed September 5, 2026. Rules vary by state and change over time; confirm specifics with the community and the licensing agency.