Hospital-to-Home Checklist

Coming home from the hospital can feel like a relief.

It can also be the moment families suddenly realize that their loved one may not be able to safely resume the same routine they had before hospitalization.

Before discharge, make sure you understand what will be needed at home.

Before Leaving the Hospital

• Ask for written discharge instructions

• Understand why your loved one was hospitalized

• Understand any new diagnoses or restrictions

• Ask whether any test results are still pending

• Know who will follow up on pending test results

• Ask what symptoms or warning signs you should watch for

• Know who to call if there is a problem

• Know when emergency care should be sought

Review All Medications

Medication routines frequently change during hospitalization.

Before leaving:

• Ask for an updated medication list

• Review each medication with the appropriate healthcare professional

• Know which previous medications should be continued

• Know which medications have been stopped

• Understand any new medications

• Confirm the correct dose and schedule

• Ask about important side effects or precautions

• Make sure prescriptions can be obtained after discharge

• Remove outdated medication instructions from the normal routine if directed by the healthcare team

If anything is unclear, ask before leaving the hospital.

A non-medical caregiver may provide medication reminders according to the care plan, but medication questions and changes should always be addressed by the appropriate healthcare professional.

Ask About Follow-Up Care

Before discharge, know what happens next.

• Primary-care follow-up scheduled

• Specialist appointments scheduled or instructions provided

• Laboratory tests scheduled if necessary

• Therapy appointments arranged if ordered

• Transportation to appointments arranged

• Family knows the date, time, location, and purpose of each appointment

Keep all appointments and instructions together in one place.

Ask About Medical Equipment

Find out whether your loved one will need equipment such as:

• Walker

• Wheelchair

• Cane

• Shower chair

• Bedside commode

• Hospital bed

• Grab bars

• Other physician-recommended equipment

Before discharge:

• Confirm what equipment is needed

• Determine who is arranging it

• Know when it will be delivered

• Make sure the family understands how the equipment should be used

• Ask the appropriate healthcare professional for training when special techniques are required

Whenever possible, have necessary equipment in the home before your loved one arrives.

Can Your Loved One Safely Manage at Home?

Ask yourself how your loved one will handle each of these activities after discharge.

Personal Care

• Getting in and out of bed

• Walking

• Using stairs

• Using the bathroom

• Bathing or showering

• Dressing

• Grooming

Daily Living

• Preparing meals

• Getting food and drinks

• Grocery shopping

• Laundry

• Light housekeeping

• Taking out garbage

• Getting prescriptions

• Attending medical appointments

Safety

• Can they safely be left alone?

• Can they get up during the night safely?

• Can they use their walker or other mobility device correctly?

• Do they know how to call for help?

• Is someone available if their condition changes?

• Is there a plan if the family caregiver cannot be there?

If several of these answers are “No” or “I’m not sure,” additional help may be appropriate during the transition home.

Prepare the Home Before They Arrive

Hospital discharge day is not the ideal time to discover that Dad cannot get his walker past the decorative table everyone has apparently been emotionally attached to since 1997.

Before your loved one comes home:

• Clear walking paths

• Remove unnecessary clutter

• Secure or remove loose rugs

• Improve lighting

• Prepare the bedroom

• Make the bathroom easier to access

• Place frequently used items within comfortable reach

• Stock appropriate groceries

• Pick up necessary prescriptions

• Prepare clean clothing and linens

• Make sure assistive equipment is available

• Arrange transportation home

Decide Who Will Be There

Do not assume someone will simply “figure it out.”

Create a plan.

First Day Home

Who will:

• Pick your loved one up?

• Help them enter the home?

• Prepare food?

• Pick up medications?

• Assist with toileting or dressing?

• Stay with them during the first evening?

• Help them get ready for bed?

First Several Days

Who will help with:

• Morning routines

• Meals

• Personal care

• Laundry

• Transportation

• Medication reminders

• Household tasks

• Follow-up appointments

• Supervision and companionship

Write the schedule down.

If family members cannot safely cover all of those responsibilities, arrange professional support before discharge whenever possible.

Home Health and Home Care Are Not the Same Thing

After hospitalization, some people may receive medical home health services ordered or arranged by their healthcare team.

These services may include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other clinical care when eligibility requirements are met.

Non-medical home care serves a different purpose.

A non-medical caregiver may assist with things such as:

• Bathing and dressing

• Meal preparation

• Mobility assistance

• Medication reminders

• Companionship

• Laundry

• Light housekeeping

• Transportation

• Errands

• Safety supervision

• Respite for family members

A person can potentially need both medical home health and non-medical home care.

For example:

A physical therapist may visit periodically for rehabilitation, while a non-medical caregiver helps your loved one with breakfast, dressing, household tasks, and supervision during the rest of the day.