Preparing for a hospital stay: A simple checklist for older Australians 

Why preparation matters 

A hospital stay, whether planned or unexpected, can be stressful. There are appointments to organise, belongings to pack, and decisions to make about your health, home and recovery. For older Australians, having a clear plan in place gives comfort and confidence.

If you live in a RetireAustralia retirement village, you also have the reassurance of a caring team who can help you prepare, stay connected, and return home safely. Here’s a practical checklist to guide you, along with the ways your village community can support you.

Your hospital stay checklist 

Before your hospital stay: what to prepare

Pack the essentials

• Medicare and pension cards

• Current medication list and dosages

• Comfortable clothing, pyjamas, underwear and non-slip footwear

• Toiletries and personal items (glasses, hearing aids, etc)

• Mobile phone and charger

• A book or magazine

• A small notebook with contact details of family, GP and specialists
• Advance Care Directive or relevant paperwork

Organise your medications 

• Bring an up-to-date list from your GP or pharmacy
• If you use a Webster-pak, take the whole pack

Arrange transport 

• Confirm who will take you to hospital

• Your retirement village team can help organise a taxi or community transport

• For day surgery, arrange for a family member or friend to collect you
• For longer stays, plan your pick-up in advance

Prepare your home 

Ensure things are safe and easy when you return:

• Switch off appliances

• Throw out perishable food

• Arrange care for pets and plants

Keeping everyone informed 

Let your family, next of kin, and/or power of attorney know your hospital plans and share key details with your village team. This ensures everyone is prepared to support you and act quickly if needed.

Share

Hospital admission, date, time  and expected length of stay

• Which hospital you’re going to

• Emergency contact information

Share access requirements 

• Let the team know if someone will be checking your home, feeding pets, or collecting mail.

Update your care needs 

• If you’ve been feeling unwell or your mobility has changed, let the team know so they can help you prepare additional support.

Communicate your privacy preferences 

• Tell the team if you prefer visitors and updates from neighbours, or if you’d rather have privacy.

Coming home from hospital: What to consider 

Plan for recovery 

• Talk to your hospital team about wound care, new medications, follow-up appointments, physiotherapy or rehabilitation needs

 Support at Home 

Many RetireAustralia retirement villages offer Support at Home services (government funded or fee-for-service). These may include:

• Meals
• Assistance with showering and dressing
• Medication support
• Wound care
• Cleaning
• Transport to medical appointments
• Wellness or care check-ins

Check your home safety 

After a hospital stay, especially after surgery or a fall, your safety needs may change. You should consider:

• Trip hazards
• Bathroom support equipment
• Improving lighting
• Mobility pathways around your home

Respite Care: A helpful option after hospital 

If you’re not quite ready to return home straightaway, respite care can help you recover comfortably.

What respite care offers:

• Short-term accommodation
• 24/7 on-site team and emergency call system
• Assistance with medication, mobility and personal care
• Meals, housekeeping and laundry
• A safe and comfortable place to recover comfortably

Many RetireAustralia villages offer respite care in their on-site serviced apartments or Care Hub, you may also be able to access respite care in a nearby RetireAustralia village.

Remember: you’re not alone 

A hospital stay doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With preparation and support from your retirement village, you can focus on what matters most – your health and recovery.

If you’re planning a hospital stay or need help preparing, reach out to your village manager or care team.