Coming Home from Hospital: What to Do and How to Prepare

Assess the person's condition and needs.
Understand the diagnosis (what is wrong) and prognosis (what will happen).
Become part of the health care team (doctor, nurse, therapists) so you can learn how to provide care.
Get complete written instructions from the doctor. If there is anything you don't understand, ASK QUESTIONS.
Arrange follow-up care from the doctor.
Develop a plan of care with the doctor.
Meet with the hospital's social worker or discharge planner to determine home care benefits.
Understand in-home assistance options.
Arrange for in-home help.
Arrange physical, occupational, and speech therapy as needed.
Find out if medicine is provided by the hospital to take home. If not, you will have to have prescriptions filled before you take the person home.
Prepare the home.
Buy needed supplies; rent, borrow, or buy equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers.
Take home all personal items.
Check with the hospital cashier for discharge payment requirements.
Arrange transportation (an ambulance or van if your car will not do).

Coming Home from the Hospital


ARTICLES Sponsored Content Coming Home from the Hospital How to Hire Urgently Needed In-Home Care When You Doubt the Time Is Right for Discharge Providing Home Care for an Older Adult: A Good Fit? Hiring a Caregiver for In-Home Help Getting In-Home Help: Three Options Medicare Coverage of Home Care How to Screen a Personal Home Care Hire When a Parent Moves In: How to Get Your House Ready Making the Bedroom Safe for Seniors Home Care Caring for a Stroke Survivor: Is Home Care for You? More	GET ANSWERS When a good in-home caregiver loses enthusiasm, how can I get her back on board? Can I get compensated for my care giving duties for my father? Can my sister get paid to care for my mom and sister? Is there any financial aid for a child to quit their job and care for their parent? What kind of wages should we expect to pay for in home care for my mother? More	HELPFUL RESOURCES