The first week after a hospital stay is a time when the risk of a fall or a return to hospital is higher. A little planning before discharge day makes a big difference. Use this checklist with the hospital's discharge planner.
Before discharge day
- Ask for the discharge date as early as possible, and who to call if it changes.
- Get the discharge instructions in writing: medications, activity limits, wound care and warning signs.
- Ask whether an Extra-Mural referral has been made for nursing or therapy at home.
- Find out what equipment is needed, such as a walker, raised toilet seat or shower chair, and where to get it.
- Book follow-up appointments and arrange rides to them.
Getting the home ready
- Clear walkways and remove loose rugs.
- Move everyday items to waist height.
- Set up a bed on the main floor if stairs will be hard.
- Add night lights between the bedroom and the bathroom.
- Stock the fridge with easy meals for the first week.
The first week at home
- Have someone there for the first night, and ideally the first few days.
- Fill new prescriptions on the way home and use a pill organiser.
- Watch for confusion, fever, new pain, shortness of breath or swelling, and call the doctor or 811 if they appear. Call 911 in an emergency.
- Keep a simple log of medications, meals and how the day went, to share with the doctor.
Where we can help
Bayfern caregivers can pick your parent up from Saint John Regional, St. Joseph's or the Sussex Health Centre, help them settle in, and stay as long as needed. See care after a hospital stay, or call us before discharge day so we can be ready.