Supporting Safe Transitions Home: Where to Start
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The first few weeks after returning home from a hospital or rehab stay are critical. During this time, daily tasks can present unexpected safety risks, especially for individuals with limited mobility, reduced endurance, or a high risk of falls.
Two Key Concerns After Discharge
Fall Risk: Many patients return home with weakness, pain, or balance issues that significantly increase their risk of falling.
Caregiver Safety: Caregivers should never rely on their own body for patient support. Safe environments and proper equipment reduce injury risk for both parties.
Top Priorities for Home Safety
Bedroom Safety
The bedroom should be a safe and supportive space. Key tasks to consider include transfers in and out of bed, bed mobility (moving and repositioning), and nighttime toileting.
Recommended solutions: SuperPole for stable support and a bedside commode to reduce fall risk at night.
Bathroom Safety
Bathrooms are high-risk areas due to hard surfaces and tight spaces. Focus on safe transfers on and off the toilet, clothing management, and hygiene. When bathing, seated showers are safer for individuals with balance issues or endurance limitations.
Recommended solutions: Grab bars, a hand-held shower head, shower seat, and non-slip mat or surface.
Entering and Navigating the Home
Patients who are non-weight-bearing or cannot stand-pivot transfer often struggle with accessing and navigating their home.
Recommended solutions: Modular aluminum ramps for safe entry at front, back, or garage doors. Straight stairlifts for access between levels without walking or climbing.
Browse Our Quick-Install Accessibility Solutions
- SuperPole with Bar, Grab Bars
- ShowerGlyde Transfer Bench
- Modular Ramps (Rent or Purchase)
- Transfer Lift Systems
- Straight Stairlifts or Curved Stairlifts
Discharging a patient shouldn't mean worrying about what happens after they walk out the door. With Lifeway Mobility’s fast-install solutions, you can send patients home safely—and on time. Partnering with Lifeway Mobility allows you to expedite safe discharges, improve patient outcomes, and provide peace of mind for patients, caregivers and their loved ones.
If you’re a discharge planner looking to streamline patient transitions from hospital to home, consider building a referral relationship with Lifeway Mobility.