Equipment

Equipment needed after an elderly parent leaves the hospital

Do not guess on equipment. Ask the care team what is needed, who orders it, whether it must be in place before discharge, and who will teach the family how to use it safely.

Reviewed and updated July 26, 2026

Quick answer: Clarify mobility equipment, bathroom setup, bed or chair setup, stairs, lighting, oxygen or special equipment, delivery timing, and who owns the order before your parent leaves the hospital.

Mobility equipment to ask about

Walker, cane, wheelchair, gait belt, transfer board, or other transfer aid.
Whether the equipment is required, recommended, temporary, or only for certain situations.
Who should fit or adjust the equipment.
Whether a therapist or nurse should teach the family how to use it.
Whether the equipment must be at home before discharge or can arrive later.

Bathroom setup

The bathroom is often where families first realize home is harder than the hospital room.

Shower chair or tub transfer bench.
Raised toilet seat or bedside commode.
Grab bars or safer handholds where recommended by professionals.
Non-slip mats, clear walking paths, night lighting, and a way to call for help.
Whether someone should assist with bathing until the care team says otherwise.

Bed, chair, stairs, and lighting

Area	What to check	Question to ask
Bed	Height, path to bathroom, nightstand, phone, lighting	Can they get in and out safely?
Chair	Stable arms, safe height, clear space for walker	Where should they sit during the day?
Stairs	Rails, lighting, clutter, number of steps	Are stairs allowed, limited, or unsafe right now?
Lighting	Hallway, bedroom, bathroom, entryway	Can they move at night without guessing?
Walking paths	Rugs, cords, pets, furniture, wet floors	What needs to be moved before the first night?

Oxygen or special equipment caveat

Oxygen, wound supplies, feeding supplies, hospital beds, monitoring equipment, and other special equipment can involve specific orders, instructions, suppliers, and safety rules. Do not improvise with these items. Ask the care team, supplier, or licensed professional how they should be delivered, stored, used, and monitored.

Safety note: If equipment instructions conflict or are unclear, pause and call the care team, supplier, therapist, doctor, or pharmacist as appropriate.

Who orders equipment?

The answer depends on the specific situation. The hospital, rehab facility, therapist, doctor, case manager, home-health agency, supplier, insurer, or family may each have a role. Ask these questions before discharge:

Is this equipment required before discharge?
Who writes or confirms the order?
Which supplier is responsible?
When should delivery happen?
Who pays, and what should family ask the insurer or supplier?
Who teaches safe use?
What is the backup plan if delivery is late?

Home setup checklist

Item	Needed?	Owner	Before discharge or later?	Notes
Walker/cane/wheelchair
Shower chair or tub bench
Raised toilet seat/commode
Bed or chair setup
Oxygen or special equipment
Medication organizer
Lighting and clear paths
Emergency phone/contact access

No affiliate links are used on this page. Choose equipment based on professional guidance and your parent's actual home setup.

Add equipment to the hospital-to-home plan

The Free Elderly Parent Discharge Plan helps you record what equipment is needed and who owns each next step. The First 14 Days Home Kit adds a printable home setup walkthrough and family task assignment sheet.

Get the Free Checklist View the Home Kit

Related hospital-to-home planning pages

References and further reading

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