For a smooth transition and recovery at home, the patient, their loved ones and the healthcare team identify what is needed for patient to safely return home or back into another setting in the community

To ensure a smooth transition back home from the hospital, the patient should consider the following:

• does the patient have concerns about falls at home?
• is there medical equipment the patient will need to arrange or purchase, such as mobility aids?
• will the stairs at home be a challenge?
• does the patient have any concerns about transportation back home?
• are there skills the patient will need to learn to take care of themself?
• does patient's family or caregiver understand their care needs and how best to support them?
• the patient may also request a family meeting with the health care team and loved ones to ensure all support is in place and patient needs are met prior to leaving the hospital

The whiteboard - located near patient's bedside, contains important information such as the names of the care team, messages, appointment times and expected date of discharge, its a means of communication between the healthcare team and the patient

Whether the patient is being discharged from the hospital or seeking health care services in the community, the hospital healthcare team can help assess patient needs and develop a customized care plan to help the patient remain safe and independent