The move from hospital or rehab to home is a risky time. People are often weaker than expected, medications have changed, and families are handed a stack of papers on the way out. A little preparation can prevent a fall, a medication mix-up, or a return trip to the hospital.
Before discharge: questions to ask
- What was the diagnosis, and what should recovery look like week by week?
- Which medications are new, which were changed, and which should be stopped?
- What activity is allowed? Are there limits on stairs, lifting, bathing, or driving?
- Is a special diet needed?
- Will home health nursing or therapy visits be ordered? Which agency, and when is the first visit?
- What equipment is needed, such as a walker, shower chair, commode, or hospital bed?
- What warning signs mean we should call the doctor or go back to the hospital?
- When are the follow-up appointments?
Medications
- Get a written, updated medication list, and compare it to the pill bottles at home.
- Remove or set aside medications that were stopped so they aren't taken by mistake.
- Fill new prescriptions before or on the day of discharge.
- Set up a weekly pill organizer and a reminder routine.
Setting up the home
- Clear walkways, and remove throw rugs and cords.
- Set up a bedroom on the first floor if stairs are difficult.
- Install night lights between the bed and the bathroom.
- Put a shower chair and grab bars in the bathroom, and a raised toilet seat if needed.
- Stock easy meals and plenty of fluids.
- Keep a phone or medical alert device within reach.
For a full room-by-room list, see our home safety checklist.
Plan who will help, and when
The first 72 hours home are often the hardest. Be honest about who can be there, especially overnight, for bathing, and for getting to follow-up appointments. If family can't cover it all, arrange a caregiver before discharge so help is there from the first day.
Help at home after the hospital
Ardno provides after-hospital and post-surgery care in Lowell and nearby towns. Our caregivers help with bathing, meals, mobility, reminders, and appointments, and work alongside any visiting nurses or therapists. Call (978) 479-0499 as soon as you know the discharge date.