Home Safety Checklist for Older Adults Returning Home from Hospital

Returning home after a hospital stay is an important milestone, but a little preparation beforehand can make the transition much smoother and safer.

Whether you're preparing for your own discharge or helping a family member, taking time to plan ahead can reduce stress, lower the risk of falls and help recovery get off to the best possible start.

Use this checklist before discharge to make sure everything is ready.

The Home Environment

☐ Remove unnecessary clutter from walkways.

☐ Remove loose rugs where possible or ensure they are securely fixed to the floor.

☐ Ensure electrical cables are tucked away safely.

☐ Make sure all rooms, hallways and stairs are well lit.

☐ Check that frequently used items are easy to reach without climbing or stretching.

☐ Ensure the home has been cleaned before returning.

☐ Empty the fridge of out-of-date food.

☐ Dispose of old or discontinued medications safely.

Heating and Utilities

If a property has been empty for several weeks, it can often feel cold and damp. Consider turning the heating back on a day or two before returning home so the house is warm and comfortable on arrival.

☐ Heating switched on before discharge.

☐ Hot water available.

☐ Run taps, showers and toilets for several minutes before use if the property has been vacant.

This helps flush stagnant water from the system. If a home has been empty for a prolonged period,

be mindful of the small but important risk of Legionella bacteria developing within water systems.

Fire and Gas Safety

Hospital discharge is an ideal opportunity to check that basic safety measures are in place.

☐ Smoke alarms fitted and tested.

☐ Smoke alarm batteries replaced if required.

☐ Carbon monoxide alarm installed and working.

☐ Gas boiler serviced in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

☐ Electrical appliances appear safe and undamaged.

☐ Consider requesting a free Home Fire Safety Visit from your local Fire and Rescue Service. They can provide personalised advice, check smoke alarms and help identify potential fire risks within the home.

Food and Nutrition

Many people feel surprisingly tired during the first few weeks after returning home. Having simple meals available can make a big difference.

☐ Fridge and cupboards stocked before discharge.

☐ Frozen meals available.

☐ Easy-to-prepare microwave meals ready.

☐ Drinks easily accessible.

☐ Family, friends or carers available to help with shopping if required.

☐ Arrange an online supermarket delivery if shopping independently will be difficult initially.

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for wound healing, maintaining muscle strength and supporting recovery.

Medication

Medication often changes during a hospital admission. Before discharge ensure that:

☐ You understand any medication changes.

☐ New prescriptions have been sent to your GP.

☐ Repeat prescriptions have been updated.

☐ Medication delivery services have been arranged if collecting prescriptions will be difficult.

☐ A dosette box or blister pack has been considered if medication management is becoming challenging.

Follow-up Healthcare

Before leaving hospital, make sure any ongoing healthcare needs have been arranged.

These may include:

☐ District Nurse visits.

☐ Community Physiotherapy.

☐ Occupational Therapy assessment.

☐ Community Matron or Specialist Nurse review.

☐ GP follow-up if required.

☐ Hospital outpatient appointments.

☐ Community rehabilitation services.

Knowing who is visiting, when they are coming and who to contact if concerns arise provides valuable reassurance.

Equipment and Mobility

Your strength and mobility may have changed during your hospital stay. Furniture that was previously easy to use may now feel much lower or more difficult to get in and out of.

Check that:

☐ Your favourite chair is still an appropriate height.

☐ Your bed height allows safe transfers.

☐ Toilet height is suitable.

☐ Walking aids are correctly adjusted.

☐ Any equipment recommended by Occupational Therapy has been delivered.

This may include:

• Grab rails

• Raised toilet seat

• Perching stool

• Half steps

• Threshold ramps

• Bed levers

• Chair raisers

Small equipment changes can make a significant difference to independence and reduce the risk of falls.

Access to Your Home

Think about the journey from the front door through the house.

☐ Pathways are level and free from moss or leaves.

☐ Garden paths are maintained. Green growth on drives/paving slabs can be a huge slip risk for people, a good pressure wash of any growth can make things much safer

☐ Steps are safe.

☐ Handrails are secure.

☐ Access is suitable for walking aids or wheelchairs.

☐ Consider a key safe if carers or family require emergency access.

Support at Home

Recovering doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself. Consider what additional support may help during the first few weeks.

☐ Family available to help.

☐ Friends checking in regularly.

☐ Carer visits arranged.

☐ Welfare checks organised.

☐ Personal alarm or lifeline service installed if appropriate.

Many people only require additional support for a short period before regaining their independence.

Think About Fatigue

One of the most common symptoms after a hospital stay is tiredness. Even making a cup of tea or getting dressed can feel exhausting initially.

Try to:

• Pace activities throughout the day.

• Accept help where possible.

• Rest between activities.

• Build activity levels gradually.

Recovery takes time, and it's perfectly normal to have good days and more difficult days.

A Physiotherapy Assessment Can Help

Even if you're managing reasonably well, a home physiotherapy assessment can identify problems before they become bigger issues.

At Physio at Home, we assess not only your strength, mobility and balance but also how you manage within your own environment. We can advise on transfers, stairs, walking aids, furniture heights, falls prevention, exercises and practical adaptations that help you regain confidence and independence safely.

Sometimes small changes—such as raising a chair, removing a rug or adjusting a walking frame—can make a remarkable difference to safety and quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Preparing a home before discharge isn't about making it perfect—it's about making it safe, practical and comfortable.

Planning ahead can reduce stress, minimise the risk of falls and help you or your loved one focus on what matters most: recovering well and regaining independence.

A little preparation before returning home often makes a big difference afterwards.

About Physio At Home

At Physio@Home, we provide private home visit physiotherapy across Cornwall, working alongside existing NHS services where appropriate. We can help bridge the gap between appointments, provide additional rehabilitation, support confidence building, progress exercise programmes and focus on the practical challenges that matter most to each individual. This might include improving walking, managing stairs, getting in and out of bed, returning to hobbies, building strength and balance, or regaining confidence following a fall.

One of the advantages of home-based physiotherapy is that rehabilitation takes place in the environment where everyday life happens. This allows us to assess and practise real-life activities such as navigating steps, accessing the garden, getting in and out of a car, making a cup of tea or moving safely around the home. Our goal is simple: to help people maximise their recovery, maintain their independence and return to the activities that matter most to them.

To find out more about Physio@Home and our home visit physiotherapy services across Mid Cornwall, please visit www.physioathome.uk.