Information for Patients
There are many practical issues patients face when returning home from hospital.
- iCAHE has created a checklist to assist you when you or your family or carer are considering your needs on discharge from hospital.
- The iCAHE Discharge Planning Checklist provides a comprehensive list of items and situations to consider that may not have occurred to you.
- The goal of the checklist is to prevent unexpected situations from interfering with your recovery.
The iCAHE Discharge Planning Checklist (PDF 126KB) covers everything from:
- Have you got your keys?
- How will you pay your bills and do your shopping?
- How to avoid isolation when you return home
- How to prepare food and drinks
- Is your house adequately heated and cooled?
- Who can help you as a carer?
- What if there is someone in your care?
- Medications and how to manage them
- Keeping in touch with your healthcare team
- Services that can help you to manage at home
- And much more
The iCAHE Discharge Planning Checklist is highly recommended for patients who:
- Have had an unplanned admission to hospital
- Have undergone major surgery
- Have complex health conditions
- Live alone or are carers themselves
- Have not been in hospital before and don't know what to expect when they return home
You should discuss any issues you think that may affect your
discharge from hospital with hospital staff (doctor, nurse or other
professional)
Support services for patients and their carers are available
- Many organisations can provide you with information about your condition.
- We have included links to just a few of the national support organisations. Your GP or healthcare team can advise you on the support group that might work best for you.
- For assistance and support relevant to your condition contact the appropriate organisation:
Cancer: The Cancer Council Australia
Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
Ovarian Cancer: National Ovarian Cancer Network (OVCA)
Prostate Cancer: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA)
Leukaemia: Leukaemia Foundation
Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Australian Hodgkin's Lymphoma Network (AHLN)
Stroke: The Stroke Foundation Australia
Diabetes: Diabetes Australia
Heart Disease: National Heart Foundation
Respiratory Conditions (Emphysema, Pulmonary Obstructive Airways Disease, Asthma, Lung Cancer, COPD): The Australian Lung Foundation
Parkinson's: Parkinson's Australia
Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple Sclerosis Australia
Motor Neuron Disease: MND Australia
Dementia: Dementia Care Australia Alzheimer's: Alzheimer's Australia
Care and Respite Services: Commonwealth Carelink Centres