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01 / Hospital to home · Ontario

My parent is coming home from hospital.

You don’t have to solve every long-term question today. Start with the handover, the journey home and who will be there.

Published by The Vetted Senior · Meet our founder

See my next steps
If your parent has just fallen, is injured or is in immediate danger, seek medical help. Call 911 in an emergency. This page helps you prepare once urgent needs are being addressed.

A few things to do next

  1. Bring your parent into the plan.

    Ask what matters to them, what feels difficult and who they want involved. With their agreement, choose one family contact to keep everyone informed.

  2. Ask for a discharge-planning conversation.

    Speak to the hospital team before the move home. Explain practical concerns about stairs, meals, getting to the bathroom and time alone. Ask whether an Ontario Health atHome care coordinator should be involved.

  3. Leave with clear instructions and contacts.

    Ask for written care instructions, an up-to-date medication list, follow-up appointments and a number to call with concerns. Ask the clinical team which changes need urgent attention.

  4. Confirm what will actually be ready.

    Check transport, access to the home, equipment and the start dates of any arranged support. Ask who to contact if an expected service does not arrive. A referral is not a confirmed visit.

  5. Make the first few days manageable.

    Agree who is doing each task and when. Identify any uncovered periods with the care team. Use the care-cost worksheet if private support is part of the plan; ask agencies about minimum visits and extra fees.

Follow the sources. Source pages checked 25 September 2026. This is navigation guidance, not a clinical assessment.

Keep going, at your own pace.

Read the Ontario home care cost guide or browse the family guides.