There are a number of things you can do to prepare before the person you are going to be caring for leaves hospital. It can help to get these sorted out before they arrive, so when they do you can focus on caring for them.

Before your relative or friend is discharged from hospital, it is important for the hospital staff to talk to you both about any equipment you will need at home. The hospital may arrange for an occupational therapist (OT) to visit and make an assessment of your home. The hospital may be able to supply some equipment a day or so before the person comes home, so that it is ready as soon as they arrive. See later pages in this section for more information about equipment and adaptations in the home.

There are some practical things you can do to get ready before your relative or friend arrives home. It can help to try to get things sorted out beforehand, as you will have less time once they are home.

Organising their room

One of the most important things to do is to get their room ready. They will probably be spending a lot of time there so it's important that they are happy in it and that it feels welcoming. Discuss which room they would prefer and, if you live in a house, whether they would like to be upstairs or downstairs. Some people prefer to be downstairs because they feel less isolated. Others prefer the peace and quiet of an upstairs room. If they can’t get around easily, they might want to be in the room nearest the bathroom. They might want to be in the lightest and sunniest room.

Put the bed or chair in a good position, preferably with a view out of a window. You could move a small table into the room, next to the bed. Hang a favourite picture or photograph on the wall. You may be able to have a telephone extension put into the room, or buy a cordless telephone so that they can talk to family and friends whenever they want. If they won't be able to get out of bed, you may be able to get an intercom so they can talk to you when you are elsewhere in the house. They might like to have a radio, CD player or small television with remote control and a video or DVD player.

Sleep arrangements

If you usually sleep in the same bed or room as the person you are caring for, you may need to discuss whether you continue to do so. It may be that, at least sometimes, you need to sleep separately so as not to be disturbed if your partner has broken nights. They may feel easier not having to worry about disturbing you. If you are caring for them, you need to get plenty of sleep.

Start to think about the kind of help you might need from family, neighbours and friends. Build up your support network. You may not need their support right now, but if you find yourself in the middle of a crisis you will want someone to turn to immediately.