Bringing a Parent Home from Hospital: A Checklist for Nairobi Families

The first two weeks after a hospital stay are when many older patients struggle — and when readmissions often happen. A little preparation makes the transition home much safer.

Before discharge: questions to ask

• What medicines should they take, when, and for how long? Are any old medicines now stopped?
• Is there a wound, drain or catheter? Who will care for it, and how often?
• What can they eat and drink? Any restrictions?
• How much should they walk or rest? Are there physiotherapy exercises?
• When is the follow-up appointment?
• Which warning signs mean we should come back or call the doctor?

Write the answers down, or ask for them in writing.

Prepare the home

• Clear walkways; remove loose rugs and cables
• Put a night light between the bed and the toilet
• Add a non-slip mat and, if possible, a shower chair or grab rail
• Set the bed at a height where their feet are flat on the floor when sitting
• Place water, phone, glasses and medicines within easy reach
• Consider a commode at night if the toilet is far

Plan who does what

Decide who will be with them, especially at night, in the first few days. If family members work, a caregiver can cover personal care, meals, safe movement and medication reminders. Any clinical tasks — wound care, injections, catheter care — need a registered nurse.

Warning signs in the first two weeks

Call the doctor or go to hospital if you notice:

• Fever, chills, or a wound that is red, swollen, hot or leaking
• New or worsening pain, shortness of breath or chest pain
• Sudden confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech or weakness on one side
• Not eating or drinking, or not passing urine
• A fall

In an emergency, call 999 or 112.

Keep a simple log

A notebook (or WhatsApp group) with medicines taken, meals, sleep, mood and anything unusual helps the doctor at the follow-up visit and keeps everyone in the family informed.

See how I help after discharge →