Tips for When an Aging Parent or Loved One is in the Hospital

neighbourhoodmedia
Sep 9
3 min read

Updated: Sep 24

Having an aging parent or relative in the hospital can be stressful and overwhelming. On top of worrying about their health, many families wonder: What happens when you are told they have to be discharged? Will there be enough care and support in place?

The good news is that hospitals don’t typically send patients home without a discharge plan. A team of professionals works together to ensure your loved one is safe enough to leave and has support in place. Still, it’s normal to feel unsure about what comes next. Knowing what to expect—and how to ask the right questions—can make the process much easier.

1. Discharge Usually Means “Safe Enough”

When the hospital discharges your loved one, it doesn’t mean they’re fully recovered. It means they no longer need to be in hospital for treatment and they can be cared for at home or in another facility. Most often, this means they can manage some basic daily tasks—such as standing, walking short distances, and getting to and from the bathroom.

If they need extra help with meals, bathing, or personal care, the care team will assist you to arrange for supports. The hospital’s main concern is to help you set up the supports your loved one needs to be as safe as possible.

2. The Discharge Planning Team is There to Help

You are not expected to figure everything out alone. Discharge planning is a team effort, and several healthcare professionals may be involved:

Discharge Nurse – coordinates the overall discharge plan.
Occupational Therapist – looks at daily safety and recommends equipment like grab bars or shower seats.
Physiotherapist – helps with strength and mobility and may suggest mobility aids like canes or walkers.
Social Worker – supports families and helps explore community or care options.
Home Care Coordinator – arranges in-home care services such as nursing, personal care, or respite.

Each professional plays an important role in making sure your loved one’s transition home is as safe and smooth as possible.

3. Ask for a Family Meeting

If you feel unsure about the discharge plan, ask for a family meeting. This is your chance to bring together your loved one, your family, and the hospital care team.

A family meeting can help:

Make sure your concerns are heard.
Confirm that the right supports are set up at home.
Arrange for necessary equipment (like a walker or bedside commode).
Discuss other care options if home isn’t the safest place—such as assisted living or long-term care.

Family meetings give everyone clarity and peace of mind before your loved one leaves the hospital.

4. Hospital Stays Can Open Doors to More Support

Even though a hospital stay can feel stressful, it can sometimes create opportunities for assessments that are harder to access in the community. These may include:

Geriatric Assessments – a full review of health, memory, and medications.
Capacity Assessments – evaluations that determine if your loved one needs help with making decisions about care, finances, and living arrangements.

These assessments can provide valuable insights and help you make more informed decisions about your loved one’s future care.

5. Stay Involved and Keep Asking Questions

You are your loved one’s best advocate. Stay involved in the process by:

Asking the team to explain things in plain language.
Requesting written instructions and resources.
Checking in regularly to stay updated on the care plan.

The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel in supporting your loved one after their hospital stay

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Discharge planning can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. At Greywave Senior Care Consulting, we specialize in helping families understand hospital discharge plans, arrange home care services, and explore care options that are best for their aging parents or loved ones.

The bottom line: Discharge planning is a team effort, and with the right support, you can make sure your loved one is safe and cared for—whether that means going home with extra help in place or moving to a new care setting.

Learn more about our Crisis Management Services and how we can guide you through the next steps.