The doctor has said Mom or Dad can go home.
At first, that sounds like wonderful news. Then suddenly the questions start:
Where will they sleep? Can they get to the bathroom? What medication do they need? What if they fall? What do we need to buy?
Preparing before they arrive home can make those first few days much easier for everyone.
You don't need to turn your home into a hospital. You simply need to think about what your parent can and cannot safely do right now.
Before Leaving the Hospital, Ask Questions
Don't be afraid to ask the hospital staff questions before your parent is discharged.
Make sure you understand:
- Why were they admitted?
- What should you expect during recovery?
- Has any medication been stopped, started or changed?
- Are there wounds or dressings that need care?
- Are there any special food or fluid instructions?
- Can they walk independently?
- Do they need help getting out of bed or standing?
- Are they allowed to shower?
- Do they need a walking aid?
- Are there follow-up appointments?
- Do they need physiotherapy or other follow-up care?
- What warning signs should make you seek help?
Write things down. There can be a lot of information to remember on discharge day.
Prepare the Bedroom
Think practically about where your parent will sleep.
The bedroom should be easy to reach and have enough space to move around safely.
If they use a walker or wheelchair, make sure there is enough room between the bed and furniture.
Remove loose rugs, unnecessary furniture and clutter.
Consider having:
- A waterproof mattress protector
- Extra sheets
- Comfortable pillows
- A bedside lamp or nightlight
- Tissues
- Water within reach
- A waste bin
- Their phone and charger
- Glasses and hearing aids nearby
- A bell or another way of calling for help if needed
If your parent struggles to get out of bed, think about whether the bed is too high or too low.
Think About the Bathroom Before They Arrive
The bathroom is often where families discover their biggest problems.
Ask yourself:
Can Mom actually get onto the toilet?
Can Dad safely step into the shower?
Depending on their needs, useful equipment may include a shower chair, raised toilet seat, bedside commode or properly fitted grab rails.
Place toiletries where they can easily reach them.
Make sure the floor isn't slippery and that the route to the bathroom is clear, especially at night.
A nightlight can make a surprisingly big difference.
Prepare for Toileting and Accidents
This is one of those areas families sometimes feel uncomfortable discussing, but preparing beforehand protects your parent's dignity.
If there is a possibility of bladder or bowel accidents, keep the necessary supplies available.
You might need disposable underwear or pads, bed protectors, wipes, gloves, extra underwear, clean bedding and a waterproof mattress cover.
Keep supplies somewhere easy to reach.
An accident at 2 a.m. is much easier to manage when everything you need is already beside you.
Check How They Will Move Around the House
Walk the route your parent will use most often:
Bed → bathroom → chair → kitchen or dining area.
Look for anything that could cause a fall.
Remove loose rugs, clutter and electrical cords from walkways.
Make sure lighting is good.
If your parent has been given a walker or other walking aid, make sure it is available from the moment they arrive home—not something you plan to organise a few days later.
And don't assume they will immediately be as strong as they were before going into hospital.
Get Medication Organised
Hospital stays often result in medication changes.
Before leaving, make sure you know exactly what your parent should take at home.
Don't simply add the new medication to everything they were taking before.
Keep an updated medication list showing:
What they take | How much | When they take it | Why they take it
If anything is unclear, ask before leaving the hospital or speak to the pharmacist.
Prepare Easy Food and Drinks
The first few days home aren't the time to worry about complicated meals.
Have simple foods available that your parent enjoys and can manage comfortably.
If their appetite is poor, smaller meals may be easier.
Keep drinks somewhere they can reach them easily, unless they have specifically been told to limit how much they drink.
Also ask before discharge whether there are any foods they should avoid or whether their food needs to be prepared differently.
Decide Who Is Going to Help
This is something families often forget.
Everyone is excited that Mom or Dad is coming home, but who is actually going to be there?
Can your parent safely be left alone?
Who will help with bathing?
Who will prepare meals?
Who will collect medication?
Who will take them to appointments?
Who will stay with them while the main caregiver goes shopping, works or rests?
Try to arrange this before discharge rather than waiting until everyone is exhausted.
Create a Home Care File
Keep important information together in one folder.
Include:
- Hospital discharge information
- Medication list
- Doctor's contact details
- Emergency contacts
- Follow-up appointments
- Allergies
- Important medical information
- Notes about wounds or dressings
- Any instructions given by the hospital
You can also keep a simple daily record of things such as eating, drinking, bowel movements, medication and anything unusual you notice.
This becomes especially helpful when several family members are involved in caring.
Prepare for the First Night
The first night home deserves special attention.
Before going to bed, check:
- Is there a clear path to the bathroom?
- Is there a light they can reach?
- Can they reach their phone?
- Can they get out of bed safely?
- Do they need someone nearby?
- Do they know how to call you?
- Is their walking aid next to the bed?
- Do you have clean bedding and personal-care supplies ready if needed?
These small preparations can prevent a stressful night.
Don't Buy Everything Before You Know What They Need
Families sometimes panic and buy lots of equipment before discharge.
Start with what your parent actually needs.
One person may only need a shower chair and some help with meals. Another may need much more assistance.
Ask the hospital staff what they recommend and then adjust the home as you learn what works.
Before Mom or Dad Comes Home, Remember These Five Things
- Understand what they can and cannot do safely.
- Prepare the bedroom and bathroom.
- Organise medication, food and personal-care supplies.
- Make the home safer for walking and moving around.
- Decide who will provide the care.
Coming home should feel like coming home, not moving into another hospital.
Prepare for safety, but keep familiar photographs, blankets, favourite chairs and normal routines wherever possible.
Your parent has already experienced a big change.
A familiar, calm and well-prepared home can make those first days of recovery a little easier for everyone.
This guide supports everyday family care. It does not replace an individual assessment, diagnosis, treatment or advice from your parent’s healthcare team. For urgent concerns, seek medical help.
