Getting Ready for the Homecoming: A Comprehensive Checklist for Discharge

Preparing for your child’s transition from hospital to home involves careful planning and coordination. Use this checklist to ensure that you’ve covered all essential steps and questions to make the homecoming as smooth as possible.

1. Build Your Care Team

• Connect Key Players: Ensure clear communication between your child’s physician, the hospital team, insurance companies, and the home health team.
• Coordinate Care: Confirm that everyone involved is on the same page regarding your child’s care plan.

2. Equipment Arrangements

• Home Health Agency: Discuss with your home health agency about arranging for any necessary equipment and how to connect with a supplier.
• Delivery and Transport: Determine which equipment needs to be delivered to your home and which items should travel with your child from the hospital.
• Hospital-Provided Equipment: Make sure you understand which equipment will be provided by the hospital and which will be sourced separately.

3. Training and Medication

• Equipment Training: Confirm that you and your family are comfortable with how to use any medical equipment provided by the hospital. Request additional training if needed.
• Prescriptions and Medications: Order any necessary prescriptions or medications. Inquire if they can be filled before discharge or if arrangements can be made for immediate availability at home.

4. Discharge Planning

• Meeting with Discharge Planner: Discuss your choice of home health agency with the hospital discharge planner. Ensure all support services are scheduled for a smooth transition.
• Nurse Transportation: Check if the home health agency can arrange for a nurse to accompany your child during the trip home to manage any immediate issues.

5. Medication Management

• Understand Medications: Learn about the medications your child will need at home. Hospital nurses can provide detailed instructions and answer any questions.
• Routine Continuity: Ensure you understand how to maintain the prescribed medication routine at home.

6. Home Preparation

• Electric System Check: Contact your electric service provider to verify that your home’s electrical system is compatible with your child’s equipment. An electrician or DME company representative can assist with this if needed.
• Landlord Communication: If you rent, discuss necessary electrical updates with your landlord.

7. Follow-Up Appointments

• Schedule Appointments: Work with the discharge planner and your insurance or managed care organization to arrange any required follow-up appointments.
• Appointment Coordination: Ensure that all appointments are scheduled and documented for the weeks following your child’s discharge.

Additional Tips

• Documentation: Keep all documentation related to your child’s care, equipment, and medications organized and accessible.
• Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts and healthcare providers readily available.
• Support Network: Reach out to support groups or resources for additional help and advice during this transition.

By following this checklist, you can help ensure that your child’s transition from the hospital to home is as seamless and comfortable as possible. Preparing in advance will help you address potential issues proactively and provide a stable environment for your child’s continued care and recovery.