Discharge Planning Guide

A hospital discharge can feel overwhelming for families. Once a loved one is ready to leave the hospital, there may be new medications, follow-up appointments, mobility concerns, personal care needs, and home safety questions to manage.

Good discharge planning helps make the transition from hospital to home safer and smoother.

Use this guide to help prepare before your loved one comes home.

Confirm the Discharge Plan

Before leaving the hospital, ask the care team to explain the discharge plan clearly.

Confirm:

• Discharge date and time
• Diagnosis or reason for hospital stay
• Recovery expectations
• Activity restrictions
• Warning signs to watch for
• Who to call if concerns come up
• Follow-up appointments

Ask questions before leaving if anything is unclear.

Review Medication Changes

Medication changes are common after a hospital stay.

Ask:

• What medications are new?
• What medications should stop?
• What dosage should be taken?
• What time should each medication be taken?
• Are there side effects to watch for?
• When should prescriptions be filled?
• Who should be contacted with medication questions?

Keep the medication list in one place and share it with family caregivers or care providers.

Prepare the Home

Before your loved one arrives home, make sure the space is safe and comfortable.

Check:

• Clear walkways
• Good lighting
• Safe bathroom setup
• Non-slip mats
• Clean bedding and clothing
• Easy access to frequently used items
• Space for mobility aids
• Emergency contacts posted clearly

Small changes can help reduce fall risks and make care easier.

Understand Daily Care Needs

Ask the hospital team what support will be needed at home.

This may include:

• Bathing and grooming
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Mobility support
• Transfers
• Wound care reminders
• Companionship
• Overnight support
• Respite care for family caregivers

Knowing the care needs early helps the family plan properly.

Arrange Transportation

Plan how your loved one will get home safely.

Consider:

• Can they walk safely?
• Do they need help getting into a vehicle?
• Is wheelchair-accessible transportation needed?
• Should someone accompany them?
• Will they need help entering the home?

Transportation should be planned before discharge day.

Book Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up care is an important part of recovery.

Confirm appointments with:

• Family doctor
• Specialist
• Clinic
• Physiotherapist
• Home and community care provider
• Wound care team
• Pharmacy

Write down the date, time, location, and purpose of each appointment.

Plan Family Support

Decide who will help after discharge.

Family members may need to support with:

• Meals
• Medication reminders
• Personal care
• Appointments
• Errands
• Overnight supervision
• Companionship
• Monitoring changes in health

If family support is limited, consider arranging home care support.

Consider Home Care Support

The first few days after discharge can be the most difficult. Home care can help families feel more confident during the transition.

Support may include:

• Personal care
• Companionship
• Respite care
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Mobility support
• Nursing support where applicable
• Hospital discharge support

Final Thought

A safe discharge starts with planning. When families understand the care needs, medication instructions, follow-up appointments, and home support options, the transition home can feel more manageable.

Tap’N’Care supports families across Ontario with hospital discharge support, home care, respite care, companionship, personal care, and care coordination.

Need help after hospital discharge? Contact Tap’N’Care to discuss your care needs.

Phone: 647-277-6232
Email: support@tapncare.com
WhatsApp: 416-805-1966