A trip to the hospital, especially if unexpected, can be overwhelming for you and your family. The information here helps you and your loved one plan a smoother transition back home for a more comfortable recovery.
Below is some general information on how to prepare for your loved one’s hospital discharge. For more information on hospital discharge for specialised treatments, you may tap on one of the following:
General Discharge Info
We highlight important considerations as well as schemes and services that can support the move back home after a hospital discharge.
What should I check with the hospital team about before my loved one is discharged?
- Check with the medical/treatment team if an application to community care services or for any healthcare equipment has been made. If yes, follow up with them on the application status.
- Understand the appropriate care needed for your loved one at home by consulting with them. You can also explore additional training options here.
- Ask them for post-discharge advice, such as signs or symptoms to look out for, and when a visit to the doctor or A&E is needed.
- For follow-up appointments, check if a consolidated list of appointments is available, and what the necessary preparations beforehand will be, such as fasting instructions, diet, medical documents.
- Do get these documents from them as useful reference for future appointments:
- Discharge summary
- Medical certificate (where necessary)
- Referral form (where necessary)
How do I take better care of my loved one at home?
- Take note of the care instructions from your loved one’s medical/treatment team at the time of discharge. If you are unsure or have further queries, do not hesitate to reach out for advice. Especially about training on how to move them in the home or using their prescribed medical devices/equipment properly.
- Speak to the doctor or pharmacist about your loved ones’ prescription medication to better understand its usage, side effects and what to look out for. Especially if there are multiple medications prescribed.
- Discuss with your medical/treatment team and family to decide on a care arrangement for your loved one. You may wish to consider hiring a helper, if there is no available caregiver to take care of your loved one in the family.
How can I support my loved one in their daily activities?
- Speak to the medical/treatment team on the activities, such as feeding or toileting, that your loved one may need support with.
- To move around easily at home, encourage your loved one to use a mobility aids such as a wheelchair or walking stick, as recommended by a healthcare professional. You can find grants for Assistive Devices here.
- To prevent fall, ensure adequate lighting is available in the home, and place frequently used items within easier reach.
How can I make the home a safe place for recovery?
- For professional assurance, you can speak to your loved one’s therapist about creating a safer home environment.
- Home modifications, such as grab bars, or assistive devices can allow your loved one to move around safely.
- You may want to consider any of these healthcare equipment, such as a hospital bed, wheelchair or commode. Check with your loved one’s therapist on eligibility of purchase via SMF here.
- Create more room for moving around by reducing clutter and rearranging your furniture.
What can I do to ensure my loved one’s safety outside home?
- When walking, choose safer routes, avoiding uneven surfaces, kerbs or heavy traffic areas.
- Reduce clutter or rearrange furniture at the entrance or outside the home, preventing falls and increasing mobility.
- We recommend wearing non-slip shoes, and advise against slippers.
Are there other forms of support for caregivers like me?
Yes, there are. At AIC, you can find support for the following:
You can also reach out to us for support:
AIC Hotline: 1800 650 6060
(Mon-Fri: 830am to 830pm ; Sat: 830am to 4pm)
You can also visit an AIC Link branch near you.
Learn More
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