Coming Home from Hospital: A Checklist for Families

The days after a hospital stay are when extra help matters most. This checklist helps families prepare the home, ask the right questions and plan the first fortnight.

Before discharge: questions for the ward

• What date and time is discharge planned for, and how will they get home?
• Will they need any personal care or nursing at home, and who is arranging it?
• What medication are they going home with, and has anything changed?
• Are there follow-up appointments or a GP review to book?
• Is any equipment needed, such as a perching stool or walking frame?

The NHS explains what support is available after a hospital stay, including short-term reablement support arranged by the hospital or council.

Preparing the house

• Heating on, bed made up, and a clear route from bed to bathroom
• Rugs and trailing cables moved out of the way
• Fridge stocked with easy meals, milk and bread
• Phone charged and within reach, with key numbers written down
• A night light for the landing and bathroom

The first two weeks

Energy and confidence are often low after a hospital stay. Short daily visits help with meals, shopping, laundry and simply having someone to talk to. If you live some distance away, a companion who can also accompany follow-up appointments takes a lot of pressure off the family.

Remember that personal care, such as help with washing or medication, must be provided by a registered service. Companionship visits can work alongside that care.

Signs to call the GP or NHS 111

New confusion, a fever, worsening pain, not eating or drinking, or a fall should always be checked. In an emergency, call 999.