Going Home

Caring for Your Child at Home

Throughout your child's hospital stay, you and your child's nurse or other care provider will plan for his discharge and the care he will need at home. If he needs special home care equipment or home nursing, your child's nurse will help you arrange it.

Before your child goes home, plan to talk to:

• Your child's nurse about activity levels for your child, how to care for him at home, medications, therapies or follow-up appointments
• Your child's teacher about homework assignments and returning to school
• The school nurse about his condition and healthcare needs, and any necessary steps to take to arrange for returning to school
• Your child care provider about his condition and returning to a care schedule
• Your friends and family about help you may need, such as care after returning home or help with transportation home

Useful Resources

The following written resources are available here and in print. For more information, ask your child's nurse.

• Getting Started After a New Diagnosis
  Our Resource Guide lists websites, phone numbers, and a list of other resources that you and your child may need in Washington State.
• When Your Child with Special Needs Goes to School
  A checklist of items to consider when preparing the school and your child for his return to school.

Changes in Your Child's Behavior

You may notice changes in your child's behavior when he returns home after being in the hospital. These might include changes in sleep patterns or fear of being away from you.

He may also show behavior from an earlier age, such as thumb-sucking, temper tantrums or changes in toilet training. These are usually temporary.

Encourage your child to talk about his time in the hospital and reassure him that a hospital stay can be upsetting. If changes in behavior continue for six weeks or more, please talk to your child's doctor.