Preparing a Home After Hospital Discharge

A short, calm checklist for families and caregivers helping someone return home after hospitalization, surgery, or rehab. Use it alongside the discharge team's instructions.

• Ask what mobility, bathing, toileting, medication, wound care, or supervision needs may change after discharge.
• Clarify medication changes, follow-up appointments, warning signs, and who to call with questions.
• Prepare the bedroom, bathroom, and main walking paths before the person returns home.
• Remove clutter, loose rugs, cords, and other trip hazards from common pathways.
• Place important items within easy reach: phone, medications, water, lighting, emergency contacts, and frequently used supplies.
• Check whether equipment may be needed, such as a shower chair, raised toilet seat, walker-accessible pathway, bedside lighting, or grab bars.
• Identify who will help at home with meals, transportation, bathing, medication reminders, follow-up appointments, or safety checks.