Bringing your elderly parent home from hospital is a moment of relief—but it also brings a wave of questions:
Will they be safe at home?
Who will help them shower, take medications, or get to follow-up appointments?
How will you manage their care while juggling your own responsibilities?
If you’re in Christchurch and facing this situation, you’re not alone—and Hospital to Home Care might be exactly what you need to ensure a smooth, safe recovery.
Why Hospital Discharges Can Be Risky for Elderly People?
The transition from hospital to home is a vulnerable time for older adults. Research shows that many hospital readmissions occur within 30 days of discharge—often due to falls, infections, missed medications, or confusion about post-operative instructions.
For elderly people, even small setbacks during this time can lead to significant complications. That’s why having support in place immediately after discharge is crucial.
What Is “Hospital to Home” Care?
Hospital to Home Care (sometimes called Post-Operative Home Support) is short-term, personalised assistance provided in the comfort of your loved one’s home after a hospital stay. It helps them recover safely while easing the pressure on family members.
At Home Carers, we offer Christchurch families a trusted hand during this critical time. Our service typically includes:
Transport home from hospital
Medication reminders and support
Help with showering, dressing, and toileting
Meal preparation and hydration support
Wound care monitoring
Mobility assistance to reduce fall risk
Companionship and emotional support
Follow-up appointment transport
Care can be scheduled for just a few hours a day—or 24/7 live-in care, depending on your family’s needs.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Transition
If your elderly parent is about to be discharged from hospital, here’s how to plan ahead:
1. Understand the Discharge Plan
Request a clear, written summary from the hospital including:
Medications (dosages and timings)
Follow-up appointments
Activity restrictions
Signs of complications
2. Assess the Home Environment
Does your parent’s home have stairs, trip hazards, or a difficult bathroom layout? We can help you assess these risks and recommend simple modifications to reduce danger.
3. Arrange Personalised Support
Think about the day-to-day tasks your parent may struggle with—showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed, remembering medications—and let us build a care plan to cover those gaps.
Why Families in Christchurch Trust Home Carers
For over 10 years, Home Carers has been supporting older people across Christchurch with flexible, compassionate care. Our carers are:
Police-vetted and First Aid certified
Clear English communicators
Trained in post-op and mobility care
Hand-matched based on your parent’s personality and needs
We know Christchurch hospitals like the back of our hand—and we’re available for urgent support, even at short notice.
Give Your Parent the Safe, Supported Recovery They Deserve
Whether it’s a planned surgery or a sudden hospitalisation, Hospital to Home Care helps your elderly parent recover with dignity—and helps you breathe easier knowing they’re in safe hands.
