The safety of your senior loved one should be your primary concern when bringing them home from the hospital. There are many considerations you must keep in mind when transferring your loved one from the hospital to their home in order to keep them as safe and comfortable as possible. Your loved one’s doctor or nurse will discuss the specifics of their care with you before you bring them home, but there are additional considerations you may want to think about.

Choose the Right Clothing

Before your loved one leaves the hospital, you’ll need to help coordinate and ensure they are dressed in suitable clothing. Your senior’s clothing should be comfortable and easy to wear. Loose-fitting pants and button-up shirts are ideal for most seniors, as they are easy to put on and take off. The shoes should be comfortable, stable, and easy to slip on and off – non-slip Velcro sneakers are an excellent choice for most seniors to prevent falls.

Understand the weather conditions and decide whether a jacket or hat will be necessary.

Make Wheelchair Transportation Accommodations

Depending on the situation, your senior may need to ride in a wheelchair after they’ve departed the hospital. This may mean you’ll need to arrange for a special wheelchair van to transport them from the hospital to their home.

Talk with the doctor to learn more about your senior’s mobility. Ask how long they can stand, sit and how much they can walk, so that you can arrange for the appropriate transportation.

Ask About Special Care Needs

Before you leave the hospital, talk with your loved one’s doctor about any special care needs they may have. Ask about:

• Additional medical equipment (oxygen tanks, IV’s, etc.)
• Prescriptions
• Special dietary needs
• Check-ups and other future appointments

Care At Home Services offers professional at-home care services to help your loved one. If your loved one can no longer walk, stand, or drive, they’ll need help preparing their meals, taking their medicine, and cleaning their home. It’s best to discuss the necessity of an in-home care provider with your loved one’s doctor if you are unsure about their care needs.

Prepare the Home for Your Loved One

Finally, you want to clear your loved one’s residence of any potential hazards, and make sure all necessary safety features have been properly installed:

• Clear any steps of clutter or debris, and ensure that all staircases have sturdy, reliable handrails.
• Remove any rugs or doormats your loved one may trip over.
• Install a shower chair to prevent slippage in the bathtub.
• Remove anything that could cause your loved one to trip, and anything that might hinder their mobility (particularly if they are in a wheelchair).
• Install lifted toilet seats to help your loved one get up more easily.

Bringing your loved one home from the hospital is an exciting time, but safety should always be your first and foremost concern. If you have any questions about changes in your senior loved one’s care, contact their doctor to learn more. By following the right procedures, you and your loved one can have a safe and happy trip home from the hospital.