Coming home from the hospital
Getting the home ready for a hospital discharge
A hospital stay or rehab often ends quickly, and home can look different when someone is weaker or using a walker. Here is what to check today, and how we can help before the discharge date.
5 things to check before Mom or Dad comes home
- Clear a path from the bed to the bathroom. Pick up throw rugs and cords.
- Light the way at night with plug-in night lights from bed to toilet.
- Check the toilet height. If getting up is hard, a raised seat or safety frame helps.
- Plan the first shower. A shower chair or tub bench and a handheld spray make it safer.
- Keep a phone within reach of the bed and favorite chair.
General tips, not medical advice. Follow the discharge team's instructions.
How we help
Call as soon as you know the discharge date. We schedule the assessment as quickly as we can, and we're glad to work with the discharge planner or home health therapist. Small fixes like grab bars are usually installed within about 2 weeks.