Preparing the Home Before a Patient Is Discharged from Hospital

Start Planning Early

Discharge can sometimes be arranged quickly, leaving families little time to prepare. Once the ward team mentions that discharge is approaching, ask what the patient's needs are likely to be at home: how well they can walk, whether they need help with washing or toileting, what equipment might help, and what nursing or medical follow-up is planned. The answers shape the rest of the preparation.

Preparing the Living Space

Where will the patient sleep?

For someone with limited mobility, a bedroom on the ground floor and close to a toilet is ideal. If this is not possible, consider moving a bed temporarily into a living area. The bed should be at a height that allows the patient to sit on the edge with feet flat on the floor, and there should be space on at least one side for a caregiver to help.

Clear routes and good lighting

Clear a path from the bed to the toilet and main living area. Remove loose mats, cables and clutter, and add night lighting. Our guide on preventing falls covers home safety in more detail.

Toilet and washing

Consider whether the patient can safely reach and use the toilet. A bedside commode, a raised toilet seat, grab rails or a shower chair may make a large difference. Non-slip mats in the bathroom reduce the risk of falls when the floor is wet.

Equipment and Supplies

Ask the ward team, physiotherapist or nurse which equipment is recommended, and arrange it before the patient comes home. Depending on the patient's needs, this may include:

• A walking frame, walking stick or wheelchair
• A pressure-relieving mattress or cushion for patients at risk of pressure sores
• Continence pads, protective bed sheets and spare clothing
• Dressing supplies, catheter bags or other items needed for ongoing care
• A thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucose meter or pulse oximeter, if home monitoring has been requested

Buying equipment that has not been recommended can be wasteful or even unsafe. If you are unsure, ask for advice first.

Deciding Who Will Provide Care

Agree within the family who will be responsible for each part of care — medicines, meals, personal hygiene, night-time help, transport to appointments — and who is the main contact for the doctor. Where care is needed around the clock, a simple rota helps prevent exhaustion and missed tasks.

If the patient will need tasks such as feeding through a tube, catheter care, injections, wound dressings or safe lifting, ask the ward nurses to demonstrate and to watch you try before discharge. It is reasonable to ask for more practice if you do not yet feel confident.

Questions to Ask Before Leaving Hospital

• What was the diagnosis, and what treatment was given?
• Which medicines should be continued, which are new, and which have been stopped?
• Are there any activities, foods or drinks to avoid?
• What warning signs should prompt us to seek help, and whom should we contact?
• When is the follow-up appointment, and are any repeat tests needed?
• How should any wound, drain, catheter or device be cared for, and when will it be reviewed or removed?

A helpful technique is to repeat the key instructions back to the nurse or doctor in your own words. This quickly shows whether anything has been misunderstood.

On the Day of Discharge

• Collect the discharge summary, prescriptions and any medicines supplied by the hospital.
• Make sure you have copies of important test results or imaging reports if they will be needed at follow-up.
• Arrange suitable transport. A patient who cannot sit for long or climb into a vehicle may need special arrangements.
• Plan the first meal and drinks at home, and make sure the patient has comfortable clothing.
• If medicines need to be bought, try to obtain them the same day so no doses are missed.

Support After the Patient Is Home

Some patients benefit from nursing or doctor visits during the first days at home, for example to check a wound, review medicines or assess recovery. Sineth Hospitals' post-discharge home care page describes the support available. Our guide on the first 7 days after discharge explains what to monitor once the patient is home.

Related Guides

• The First 7 Days After Hospital Discharge: What Families Should Monitor
• Medicines After Hospital Discharge: Avoiding Common Mistakes
• When Should You Contact a Doctor After Hospital Discharge?
• Preventing Falls in Older Adults at Home