Before leaving the ward
- Who is the treating-team contact for questions?
- Which warning signs require 999, the emergency department or a clinic call?
- What can the person do independently?
- What transfer method and mobility aid should be used?
- Are there swallowing, food-texture or fluid instructions?
Prepare the home
- Clear the route between bed, bathroom and main sitting area.
- Check stairs, loose rugs, lighting and bathroom grip points.
- Confirm equipment delivery and learn safe use.
- Place emergency contacts where the family and caregiver can find them.
Build the support schedule
- Mark every time hands-on help is needed.
- Separate caregiver tasks from nursing or therapy tasks.
- Plan the first 72 hours and the following two weeks.
- Confirm who covers nights, appointments and caregiver rest days.
First caregiver handover
- Demonstrate the advised transfer method.
- Explain communication, food, toileting and sleep routines.
- Share only necessary health information securely.
- Write the family escalation order and documentation method.
Do not improvise clinical instructions. Ask the treating team to write down wound, medication, tube, diet, transfer and warning-sign instructions.
Turn the checklist into a care request
Send the home area, discharge date, shift, mobility method, personal-care needs and every task the hospital says requires a nurse.
Get help finding a caregiverGeneral family care information. Follow the person’s treating team for medical instructions and call 999 in an emergency.