What to Do After Hospital Discharge Care

Understand the Discharge Summary Thoroughly

Before leaving the hospital, always ensure you have a complete discharge summary. This document includes vital information like:

• Diagnosis and treatment given
• Medications prescribed
• Diet and activity instructions
• Follow-up schedules
• Warning signs to watch for

Tip: Ask the attending doctor or nurse to explain any medical jargon in simple terms. Keep a copy (both digital and print) handy at all times.

Arrange for Home-Based Medical Support

India has seen a rise in home healthcare services, especially in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. These services offer:

• Trained nurses for wound care, injections, and catheterization
• Physiotherapists for post-surgical or stroke rehabilitation
• Attendants for basic caregiving tasks
• On-call doctors for routine check-ups

Tip: Look for agencies that are NABH-accredited or have medically trained staff for better quality care.

Set Up a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment

Your home must be adapted for recovery. Make necessary changes such as:

• Installing grab bars in the bathroom for elderly patients
• Keeping essentials within arm’s reach
• Ensuring proper lighting and ventilation
• Avoiding slippery floors or cluttered pathways

Tip: If the patient uses a wheelchair or walker, ensure the house is easily navigable.

Manage Medications with Care

Post-discharge, medication management becomes crucial. Improper dosing or forgetting medications can lead to complications.

• Create a medication chart
• Use pill organizers or mobile apps for reminders
• Always follow dosage instructions strictly

Tip: Consult your doctor before stopping or changing any prescribed drug—even for Ayurvedic or homeopathic alternatives.

Focus on Nutrition and Hydration

A balanced, doctor-approved diet plays a key role in recovery. Depending on the illness or surgery, the diet may include:

• High-protein foods like dal, paneer, or eggs
• Iron-rich vegetables for anaemic patients
• Low-sodium diets for heart patients
• Soft or pureed food for those with chewing/swallowing difficulties

Tip: Consider hiring a part-time cook or tiffin service if the family cannot manage cooking during the recovery phase.

Monitor Vitals Regularly

Buy basic medical equipment like:

• Digital thermometer
• Blood pressure monitor
• Glucometer (for diabetic patients)
• Pulse oximeter

Tip: Maintain a simple daily log and share it during follow-up visits.

Don’t Skip Follow-Up Appointments

Hospital follow-ups ensure that the treatment is working and there are no underlying issues. Set reminders for:

• Doctor consultations
• Diagnostic tests
• Physiotherapy sessions

Tip: Many hospitals in India now offer teleconsultations—use them for minor concerns or when traveling to the clinic isn’t feasible.

Encourage Emotional and Mental Health Support

Hospitalization can take an emotional toll on patients and caregivers alike. It's common to feel anxiety, depression, or fear after discharge.

• Encourage open conversations
• Involve a counsellor or therapist if needed
• Engage the patient in light activities like reading, prayer, music, or even short walks

Tip: Spiritual support or light yoga/meditation under guidance can aid mental wellness—very effective in Indian households.

Hire a Professional Caregiver if Needed

If family members are busy or unable to provide 24x7 attention, consider hiring a trained caregiver or attendant at home.

These professionals can assist with:

• Bathing and dressing
• Feeding and toileting
• Mobility and medication reminders
• Basic medical tasks like wound dressing or blood pressure checks

Tip: Platforms like Portea, HCAH, Care24, or even local nursing bureaus can help you find trusted attendants in your area.

Maintain a Clean and Hygienic Home

A clean environment reduces infection risk—a major cause of readmission. Use disinfectants to clean:

• Patient’s room and bed
• Washrooms
• Medical equipment

Tip: Disposable gloves, face masks, and hand sanitizers should be used especially when wounds or catheters are involved.

Keep Emergency Contacts Ready

Always have a list of emergency contacts stuck on the refrigerator or near the bed:

• Primary doctor’s number
• Nearest hospital with emergency services
• Family members or neighbors
• Ambulance service numbers (like 108 or private providers)

Tip: Install health emergency apps like Practo, MFine, or even basic location-sharing apps on the caregiver’s phone.

Educate the Family and Involve Them

In Indian homes, joint families are common. Educating everyone, especially elderly members, about:

• The patient’s condition
• Dos and don'ts
• Red flags for complications

Tip: Assign caregiving roles to different family members if possible. This reduces burnout and keeps everyone involved.

Final Thoughts

Post-hospital discharge care requires planning, coordination, and compassion. The Indian healthcare system is evolving, and families now have access to a variety of at-home services and technologies to ease recovery.

By understanding the discharge process, involving the right professionals, and creating a healing environment at home, you can help your loved one recover faster, better, and with peace of mind.

Need Help After Discharge?

Many Indian families are now choosing reliable home healthcare services to avoid frequent hospital visits. If you need post-hospital care, trained caregivers, or home nursing, get in touch with local agencies near you today.