Coming Home from the Hospital
By Maria M. Meyer and Paula Derr, Contributing Writers
- 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).
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