Checklist: Preparing Home Before a Parent's Hospital Discharge in Mumbai
What to arrange at home before an elderly parent is discharged: equipment, nursing, medicines, follow-ups and safety changes.
The first few days at home after discharge are when many elderly patients struggle, and when families feel most helpless from far away. Planning a few days ahead makes the move home much safer.
1. Talk to the treating team
- Ask what level of care is needed at home: a caretaker, a trained nurse or ICU-trained nursing.
- Ask for the medicine list, diet advice, warning signs and the first follow-up date.
- Ask whether equipment such as a hospital bed, oxygen or suction is needed.
2. Set up the room
- A hospital bed or a firm bed at the right height, with space on both sides.
- An air mattress if your parent will be in bed most of the day.
- Non-slip mats, grab bars in the bathroom and a night light.
- A commode chair or walker if walking is difficult.
3. Arrange the people
- Decide on 12-hour or 24-hour help, and who covers nights.
- Make sure the nurse or caretaker gets the discharge summary and medicine chart.
- Share one point of contact for the family abroad.
4. Medicines and supplies
- Buy the first week's medicines before leaving hospital.
- Keep dressings, gloves, diapers or catheter supplies ready if needed.
- Use a simple medicine chart with times and doses.
5. Follow-ups
- Book the first OPD follow-up and any tests in advance.
- Arrange transport or an escort for the visit.
- Ask about physiotherapy at home if mobility is reduced.
How InstantCare helps
InstantCare plans the move home before discharge: equipment delivered and installed, nurses or caretakers in place, medicines and follow-ups arranged, and regular updates to your family. We support patients of Fortis Hospital Mulund and all major Mumbai hospitals.
Always follow the treating doctor's advice for your parent's specific condition.
Need help with your parent's care in Mumbai?
Talk to an InstantCare coordinator. Free care discussion, 24/7.