Bringing a parent home from the hospital: a family checklist

The first days after a hospital stay are a vulnerable time. Your parent may be weaker than before, on new medications and adjusting to new instructions. A little preparation makes the move home smoother and safer.

Before discharge day

• Ask for the discharge plan in writing. Make sure you understand medications, follow-up appointments, activity limits and warning signs to watch for.

• Ask who to call with questions. Write down the number for the doctor's office or the hospital's discharge team.

• Ask whether home health care has been ordered. If a nurse or therapist will visit, find out when the first visit is.

• Pick up prescriptions before you get home, so there's no gap.

Get the house ready

• Clear walkways and remove loose rugs and cords.

• Move everyday items to waist height so there's no reaching or bending.

• Put a nightlight between the bedroom and bathroom.

• Consider a shower chair, grab bars or a raised toilet seat if the hospital team suggests them.

• Set up a place to rest on the main floor if stairs will be hard at first.

The first week at home

• Keep a simple notebook for medications, meals, sleep and anything that seems off.

• Make easy, nourishing meals and encourage fluids.

• Plan who will be there, and when. The first nights are often the hardest.

• Keep follow-up appointments, and bring the notebook.

Know when to call

Follow the warning signs on the discharge paperwork. If something seems wrong, call the doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

You don't have to do it alone

Many families arrange extra help for the first few weeks. A home care caregiver can help with bathing, dressing, meals, laundry and getting around the house safely, while any medical care comes from the home health team.

PureHeart provides non-medical home care across Southern Massachusetts. If your parent is coming home soon, call us at (781) 243-4191 and we'll talk through what would help.