Home care in New York City
Plan care at home after hospital discharge
Ask the discharge team which care it will arrange, what family members need to prepare and whom to call if a service is delayed. Have the plan in writing before you leave.
If the person is recovering in Brooklyn, use the Brooklyn discharge guide for the Kings County agency list and local contacts. For another borough, find agencies and local support by care address.
Ask the discharge team about the first 48 hours
- Who is the contact for questions after discharge, including evenings or weekends?
- Which medications or instructions have changed? Ask for a written list and when to call for help.
- What equipment or transportation needs to be ready, and who is arranging it?
- Which follow-up appointments are booked, and who will make any remaining appointments?
- If nursing or therapy at home is ordered, which agency has accepted the referral and when is the first visit?
Make a separate plan for daily help
List who will handle meals, shopping, bathing, transportation and check-ins. Ask the discharge team which tasks require training or clinical help, and confirm whether family, friends or an agency can cover the remaining tasks.
If you need a caregiver, use the agency comparison guide to ask about availability, minimum shifts and help at the address where the person will recover.
Take a checklist to the discharge meeting
Medicare’s checklist has room to record follow-up appointments, contacts, prescriptions and support needs.