Do not guess on equipment. Ask the care team what is needed, who orders it, whether it must be in place before discharge, and who will teach the family how to use it safely.
Reviewed and updated October 18, 2026
The bathroom is often where families first realize home is harder than the hospital room.
| Area | What to check | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Bed | Height, path to bathroom, nightstand, phone, lighting | Can they get in and out safely? |
| Chair | Stable arms, safe height, clear space for walker | Where should they sit during the day? |
| Stairs | Rails, lighting, clutter, number of steps | Are stairs allowed, limited, or unsafe right now? |
| Lighting | Hallway, bedroom, bathroom, entryway | Can they move at night without guessing? |
| Walking paths | Rugs, cords, pets, furniture, wet floors | What needs to be moved before the first night? |
Worth a look
First check the furniture, lighting and walking paths your parent already has. If the lamp switch is hard to reach or bending to put on shoes is difficult, these household items may help.
Place the Cordinate 41095 on/off button within reach of the usual chair or bed, so your parent can use a lamp without reaching behind furniture.
Jasco lists a slip-resistant tabletop button and a six-foot cord. You may be able to move a lamp or use a reachable switch you already have instead.
Plain manufacturer link. FEP earns no commission and has not tested this switch hands-on; this choice uses Jasco’s published specifications.
If your parent has trouble bending to reach a shoe, a long-handled shoehorn may help with dressing while seated. Vive’s grey LVA2007GRY has a 23-inch handle, an oval grip and a hook for removing socks.
Check first: A shoehorn does not replace help with balance or the care team’s dressing and movement instructions. Try a long-handled shoehorn already at home if it works for your parent.
See the grey shoehorn at Vive Health ↗
Plain manufacturer link. FEP earns no commission and has not tested this shoehorn hands-on; this choice uses Vive’s published details.
Household setup guidance: https://familyelderplanning.com/equipment-needed-after-elderly-parent-leaves-hospital/
Oxygen, wound supplies, feeding supplies, hospital beds, monitoring equipment, and other special equipment can involve specific orders, instructions, suppliers, and safety rules. Do not improvise with these items. Ask the care team, supplier, or licensed professional how they should be delivered, stored, used, and monitored.
The answer depends on the specific situation. The hospital, rehab facility, therapist, doctor, case manager, home-health agency, supplier, insurer, or family may each have a role. Ask these questions before discharge:
Confirm what is needed with the care team, then fill in this sheet by hand.
| Item | Needed? | Owner | Before discharge or later? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walker/cane/wheelchair | ||||
| Shower chair or tub bench | ||||
| Raised toilet seat/commode | ||||
| Bed or chair setup | ||||
| Oxygen or special equipment | ||||
| Medication organizer | ||||
| Lighting and clear paths | ||||
| Emergency phone/contact access |
Family Elder Planning · familyelderplanning.com/equipment-needed-after-elderly-parent-leaves-hospital/
No affiliate links are used on this page. Choose equipment based on professional guidance and your parent's actual home setup.
The Free Elderly Parent Discharge Plan helps you record what equipment is needed and who owns each next step. The First 14 Days Home Kit adds a printable home setup walkthrough and family task assignment sheet.
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