Hospital Discharge Checklist for Seniors & Families

Unfortunately, a large percentage of elderly patients are discharged from the hospital only to be re-hospitalized less than 30 days later. This occurs due to medication errors, lack of support, and other fix-able problems. If you have an aging loved one who is getting ready to go home from the hospital, there are a few things you can do to keep them from being readmitted.

How to Prepare Your Aging Loved One to Go Home from the Hospital

Comfort, confidence, and continuity of care are essential for people who are returning home after a period of hospitalization. As a guardian or family caregiver, much of the responsibility to provide necessary accommodations falls to you—but don’t worry! If you remain a step or two ahead, you can ensure a smooth transition and a safe discharge.

Here’s how you can be ready when the time comes:

• Talk to your loved one’s doctor(s) and nurse(s) about the kind of care your loved one will need in the days, weeks, and months following discharge.
• Ask questions about signs, symptoms, and potential problems to look out for while your loved one is recovering at home or in a short-term care facility.
• Ask your loved one’s doctor(s) or nurse(s) about whether they will require attendant services and if there are any normal activities of daily living that they should not do alone.
• Set and record dates/times for any and all necessary follow-up appointments with doctors, specialists, etc. to ensure you do not miss them.
• Ensure you have the in-home support you will need to help your loved one administer medication, move about, travel to appointments, and perform any other tasks that are essential to recovering and maintaining their current level of independence.

Medicare provides a full list of things you should do when preparing yourself or a loved one to transition out of a hospital setting and back into normal life. You can check out their Discharge Planning Checklist here.

In-Home Care Providers Serving Texas Families for Decades

The At Home Healthcare team has helped many families make a smooth transition from hospital to home, and we can do the same for you. We provide a number of essential home care services and are prepared to accommodate your loved one’s care needs as they develop. Our caregivers are also willing and able to adapt to your family’s schedule as necessary, in order to make sure we are present when you need us.

We can help you transition your loved one from hospital to home and meet all their care needs every step of the way. Call (877) 959-9093 to set up home care today.