Helpful Checklist for Post-Hospital Discharge
It can be stressful when someone you love is discharged from the hospital. How much care will be needed? Will medications change? Is special equipment necessary? How and who will provide care at home?
The following checklist may help determine the amount of care needed. When going through the list, make a note of how much time it will take to accomplish the various tasks. It’s worth noting that it’s okay to ask for help. Use these tips to ease any anxiety about asking family, friends or neighbors to pitch in.
Patient Care
1. Patient Restrictions and Activities
Will your family member be able take a bath or shower, lift heavy items or walk up stairs? Is 24/7 care required? Are you prepared to help with exercise instructions as well as train other family members?
2. Health Care Tasks
What care tasks will be needed and is special training required to accomplish them? If possible, plan on receiving the training, such as wound care or recording vital signs, while your family member is still in the hospital. Get recommendations for home care services to help with these tasks.
3. Special Diets
Will any special foods need to be purchased or prepared in advance? For example, your loved one may be on a restricted or liquid diet for a period of time.
4. Medication Management
Will you be able to ensure the right medication / dosage is taken in a timely way? Ask for a chart that explains all the medications and when and how they are to be taken. Be sure anyone helping provide care is aware of any side effects from the medications. It’s also good to confirm how medications can be received – pick up at the pharmacy or online order and delivery. Pharmacists are a great, often underutilized resource. Make sure you understand dosage instructions and any possible side effects.
5. Follow-up Care
Who will arrange for follow-up care & appointments? How often will the appointments be? Who will manage the transport? Oftentimes, a professional caregiver can be hired to help with transportation.
Supplies and Safety
6. Equipment and Supplies
Make a list of items you will have to shop for and whether you will need to provide assistance or receive training to use them. Items needed may include medical equipment like a hospital bed, shower chair, bed rails, oxygen supply, portable commode, disposable gloves or special skin care items.
7. Home Safety
What changes are needed to help make your loved one’s home a safe place to recover? Remove any trip hazards like loose area rugs and cords and ensure your loved one has gripping shoes or house slippers. Make room for medical equipment or a bed by moving or storing other furniture or household items. Ensure walking paths are clear and well lit. Find a prominent place to post important information such as medication schedules and contacts for family and caregivers for easy look-up esp. in the event of a health emergency.
Finances
8. Medical Expenses
Identify a trusted family member or caregiver to manage your loved one’s medical expenses. This can include correspondence with the hospital and/or rehab facilities, and insurance companies.
9. Other Financial Issues
Who will manage your loved one’s finances, deposit retirement payments, balance his or her checking account and pay bills? There may be additional financial issues including taxes and home maintenance and repairs as well. Oftentimes, dividing up tasks amongst family members can ease caregiver stress.
Create a Care Plan
After everything has been considered, create a care plan that goes hand-in-hand with the discharge plan. Remember that you don't have to do everything on your own; hiring professional home caregiving services for even just a few hours weekly can ensure your loved one’s care plan is completed and provide family caregivers some time to focus on personal needs.
