Bringing Mom or Dad Home From the Hospital: How to Prepare for a Safer Return Home

When an aging parent is in the hospital, much of the family's attention naturally focuses on getting them well enough to go home.

Then discharge day arrives—and suddenly there are a lot of questions.

Who will be home with Mom?

Will Dad be able to prepare meals?

Is the house ready for changes in mobility?

Who will help with everyday activities while your loved one gets back into a routine?

For families in Bentonville, Rogers and throughout Benton County, thinking about these questions before discharge day can help make the transition home less stressful.

Start Planning Before Discharge Day

Whenever possible, don't wait until your loved one is already on the way home to begin planning.

Talk with the hospital's discharge team about what your parent may need once home. Make sure you understand the discharge instructions and know who to contact with medical questions.

If new equipment or changes around the home have been recommended, determining what needs to be arranged ahead of time can make that first day home much easier.

This is also a good time for family members to discuss who will be available and when.

Take a Fresh Look at the Home

A house that worked perfectly well before a hospital stay may feel different afterward, particularly if your loved one's strength or mobility has changed.

Before they return, walk through the areas they'll use most often.

Look for clutter, loose rugs, electrical cords or furniture that could make pathways difficult to navigate.

Consider the entire route from the front door to the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Frequently used items should also be easy to reach without unnecessary bending, stretching or climbing.

Think About Meals Before They're Needed

Food can easily become an afterthought during a busy transition home.

Before discharge, make sure there are simple meals and familiar foods available.

If your loved one has received specific dietary instructions from their healthcare provider, those recommendations should guide meal planning.

Families may also want to think about who will shop for groceries and prepare meals during the first several days at home.

Make Everyday Essentials Easy to Find

Returning home should feel familiar—not complicated.

Consider putting frequently used items where they're easy to find and reach.

That might include a phone and charger, glasses, tissues, water, commonly used household items and emergency contact information.

A little preparation can reduce the number of unnecessary trips around the house while your loved one is settling back into their normal routine.

Don't Forget About the Family Caregiver

Families understandably focus on the person coming home, but it's also important to consider who will provide the additional help.

An adult child may plan to “stay with Mom for a few days,” only to discover that those few days involve meals, household tasks, errands, personal needs and trying to coordinate everything else happening in their own life.

If several relatives are helping, decide ahead of time who will handle different responsibilities.

And if the family cannot realistically provide all of the needed assistance, that's worth recognizing before everyone becomes overwhelmed.

Understand the Difference Between Medical and Non-Medical Support

After hospitalization, some people may require skilled medical services ordered or recommended by their healthcare providers.

Others may primarily need assistance with everyday activities while recovering at home.

These aren't necessarily the same thing.

In-home care can help with non-medical everyday needs such as personal care, companionship, meal preparation and other routine activities, depending on the individual's care plan.

Families should follow their loved one's discharge instructions and talk with appropriate healthcare professionals about any medical or skilled-care needs.

Consider Whether Someone Should Be There

One of the biggest questions families face is whether an aging parent should spend long periods alone immediately after returning home.

Every situation is different.

Consider your parent's current abilities and the recommendations provided by their healthcare team.

Can they safely manage their normal routine?

Are everyday activities more difficult than they were before hospitalization?

Will family members be available during the day?

Would having someone there provide additional support and companionship?

Sometimes the answer isn't permanent full-time care. A family may simply need additional help during part of the day or while an older adult settles back into life at home.

Watch for Changes After They Get Home

Getting through discharge day isn't the end of the transition.

Pay attention to how your loved one manages over the following days.

Are everyday activities getting easier?

Is your parent eating regularly?

Are they comfortable moving around the home?

Do they seem to be managing their normal routines?

If you have concerns about your loved one's medical condition or recovery, contact the appropriate healthcare professional.

For everyday non-medical needs, you may discover that some additional assistance at home would make the transition easier for both your loved one and your family.

In-Home Care in Bentonville and Benton County

BrightStar Care of Bentonville provides in-home care services for seniors and families in Bentonville, Rogers, Bella Vista, Centerton and surrounding Benton County communities.

Depending on an individual's needs, support may include companion care, personal care, respite care and assistance with everyday activities at home.

When an aging loved one is preparing to leave the hospital, families don't have to wait until discharge day to begin thinking about what happens next.

Planning ahead can help everyone focus on the most important goal: helping your loved one return to the comfort and familiarity of home with the appropriate support around them.