Home care in Melbourne: the family checklist

One printable guide combining hospital discharge checks, room by room home safety, and current Melbourne care rates to keep on your kitchen bench.

6 minute read General information

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Complete checklist contents

Work through these checks on screen or print the document for your kitchen bench.

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Part 1: Leaving hospital safely

Hospital discharge is a process that requires clear preparation. Review these sixteen checks with the ward discharge coordinator or nurse before walking out the hospital doors.

Hospital discharge paperwork

5 checks

A written discharge summaryDiagnosis, treatment received, warning signs, and contact numbers.
An up to date medication listNew, discontinued, and changed medicines with exact dosages.
Prescriptions for any new medicinesConfirm your local pharmacy is open before departing.
Follow up appointments bookedConfirmed dates, times, and contact numbers for cancellations.
Pathology or imaging resultsDocumenting where copies were forwarded.

Clinical care at home

5 checks

A written wound or catheter planWho changes dressings, frequency, and infection signs.
Confirmed referral for district or private nursingVerified with the nursing organisation, not assumed.
Mobility equipment delivered and checkedShower stool, walker, commode, or hospital bed on site.
Medication management plan in placeClear agreement on who packs and administers tablets.
Allergies and drug sensitivities clearly documentedVisible to family and visiting carers.

Home environment and recovery support

6 checks

Safe transport arranged for dischargeAccompanied by a family member or support worker with house keys.
Nutritious groceries in the housePrepared meals and staple food for at least three days.
Personal care support rosteredAssistance scheduled for showering and dressing during the first week.
Clear, unobstructed paths throughout the houseRugs removed and walkways cleared between bed and bathroom.
Someone staying overnight if mobility is fragilePre arranged family support or overnight assistance.
A check in plan for the first two daysAgreed times for daily calls or visits from family.

Part 2: Room by room home safety

Most falls at home are preventable with simple, inexpensive fixes. Walk through each living space with this list and address hazards in order of safety priority.

Bathroom safety

6 checks

Grab rails professionally installedFirm rails fitted beside the toilet and inside the shower recess.
Non slip floor treatment or matsSecure mats that cannot slide when stepping out of water.
Stable shower chair or stoolEnabling seated bathing to conserve energy and prevent slips.
Handheld shower hose fittedAllowing convenient washing while seated comfortably.
Hot water delivery temperature limitedPreventing accidental scalds where temperature sensation is reduced.
External emergency door unlockBathroom locks that can be opened from the outside if needed.

Bedroom and night time route

5 checks

Bedside lamp within arms reachA clear switch that is easy to find in the dark, plus a bedside torch.
Clear pathway between bed and toiletZero furniture, extension cords, or clutter obstructing the walk.
Motion sensor night lightsGentle lighting in hallways and bathrooms to guide night time visits.
Bed at a safe ergonomic heightFeet touching the floor flat with knees resting at ninety degrees.
Zero curled rug edges or loose floor matsMats removed or taped down securely with carpet tape.

Kitchen and living spaces

5 checks

Daily items kept between waist and shoulder heightAvoiding stretching overhead or bending to the floor.
Sturdy step stool or no climbing at allNever standing on dining chairs to access high shelves.
Electrical cords routed behind furnitureNo cords stretching across doorways or walking paths.
Bright task lighting over kitchen worktopsClear visibility for safe cutting and food preparation.
Clutter free flooring throughoutWide paths maintained between all primary living spaces.

Entrances and steps

6 checks

Sturdy handrails on all outdoor stepsFirm rails installed on at least one side of every step.
High contrast strips on step edgesClear visual cues for eyes adjusting between light and shade.
Bright outdoor lighting at doorwaysIlluminating front and back door locks and pathway steps.
Even outdoor paths with zero moss or cracksPrompt repair of broken pavers or slippery pathways.
External key safe fitted with secure codeEnsuring trusted emergency access without hidden door keys.
Emergency contacts and phone within easy reachA mobile phone or alarm pendant accessible at all times.

Part 3: Melbourne home care price guide

Transparent pricing helps families plan care with confidence. Below are current starting rates for Living Well At Home services across metropolitan Melbourne.

Care service	Starting rate
Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)	From $85 per hour
Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, chores)	From $83 per hour
Gardening and yard maintenance	From $85 per hour
Meal preparation in your kitchen	From $82 per hour
Shopping and community errands	From $83 per hour
Social work support and applications	From $163 per hour
Transport to appointments and activities	From $40 per trip
Nursing care at home (wound and catheter care)	From $125 per hour
Registered nurse clinical care	From $144 per hour

All rates represent from rates supplied on our published rate schedule. Exact individual quotes are confirmed in writing prior to any service starting.

Common questions

What is included in the family checklist?

The checklist includes three complete parts: sixteen hospital discharge checks, twenty two room by room home safety checks, and a Melbourne care price guide.

How do I print the checklist?

You can click the print button on this page to print directly, or download the clean PDF version to save or share with family members.

Are the prices in the checklist current?

Yes. The pricing table reflects our active starting rates for home care and nursing services across metropolitan Melbourne.

Can you help our family walk through these checks?

Yes. Call Living Well At Home on 0426 533 700 to talk through any specific safety questions or arrange an obligation free home visit.

Sources and further reading

This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.

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Home care in Melbourne: the family checklist

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Complete checklist contents

Part 1: Leaving hospital safely

Hospital discharge paperwork

Clinical care at home

Home environment and recovery support

Part 2: Room by room home safety

Bathroom safety

Bedroom and night time route

Kitchen and living spaces

Entrances and steps

Part 3: Melbourne home care price guide

Common questions

Sources and further reading

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