Care after a hospital stay

Why the first weeks matter

Coming home from hospital is a relief, but it's also a time when problems can appear. The person may be weaker than before, taking new medicines, managing a wound, or unsure what they can safely do. Family members may be trying to follow instructions they heard only once, on a busy ward.

Recovery support at home helps the discharge plan work in practice. A nurse sets up and oversees the clinical side; caregivers help with daily life, so the person can rest and regain strength.

What we need before care starts

Good post-hospital care depends on good information. Before or soon after discharge, we ask the family for:

• the discharge summary, which explains why the person was in hospital and what happened;
• the current medicines list, including anything new, stopped or changed;
• instructions for wounds, drains, catheters or exercises, if there are any;
• follow-up appointments, and who to contact at the hospital or clinic with questions.

A nurse reviews this and visits to agree what support is needed at home. Our guide to preparing a home for a return from hospital has a practical checklist for families.

What support can include

Depending on the assessment, support can include:

• help with washing, dressing and moving about safely while strength returns;
• medicines given by a nurse as prescribed, or reminders for medicines the person takes themselves;
• wound checks and dressing changes by a nurse;
• regular checks of blood pressure, temperature and pulse, recorded for the doctor;
• help with exercises a physiotherapist has prescribed;
• meals that follow any dietary advice from the hospital;
• getting to follow-up appointments, and passing on updates, with consent.

Warning signs to report

The discharge summary may list specific signs to watch for. Common reasons to contact the person's doctor or hospital promptly include:

• a wound that becomes red, hot, swollen, smells or leaks;
• a new fever or chills;
• new or worsening pain, breathlessness or confusion;
• not eating or drinking, or passing very little urine;
• a fall, or new dizziness or weakness.

Caregivers and nurses report changes like these the same day. If the person seems seriously unwell, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department; don't wait for a scheduled visit.

Home is not a hospital

Care at home supports recovery, but it is not hospital-level care. We follow the plan made by the hospital or the person's doctor and do not change medicines, dressings or any other part of the medical plan ourselves. If the person's condition gets worse, they may need to go back to hospital, and we'll help the family act quickly.

Visiting or live-in after discharge

Many people need visiting care for set tasks, such as a morning wash and a nurse's visit for a dressing. Others need someone in the home for the first days or weeks, especially if they're unsteady at night. Live-in care can be arranged for a short period and reviewed as recovery progresses. The assessment helps you decide.