Hospital-to-Home Discharge Checklist for Ontario Seniors & Families

Bringing Your Loved One Home Safely After Hospitalization

Leaving an Ontario hospital—whether Sunnybrook, Ottawa Civic, or Hamilton General—can feel like stepping off a cliff. Once discharge orders are signed, families are suddenly tasked with coordinating medications, mobility equipment, and round-the-clock monitoring.

Step 1: Meet with the Hospital Discharge Planner & HCCSS Care Coordinator

Before discharge day, request a formal meeting with the hospital social worker and the on-site Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) representative. Determine:

• How many hours of publicly funded PSW support your family qualifies for each week (typically 1 to 2 hours per day max).
• Whether an Occupational Therapist (OT) has assessed your home for grab bars, ramp access, or hospital bed delivery.
• A finalized medication reconciliation sheet verified by the hospital pharmacist.

Step 2: Arranging Private Top-Up Care

Publicly funded hours rarely cover meal preparation, companionship, or overnight safety checks. Booking a private, verified PSW through GetMeCare allows families to fill critical gaps during the high-risk 30-day post-discharge period when hospital readmission rates are highest.