Private Home Care and Nursing Care After Hospital Discharge in Montreal

A practical guide for safe care transitions at home

Coming home from the hospital can feel like a relief, but it can also be stressful. Families often leave with new medications, follow-up appointments, mobility limits, wound care instructions, and questions about what is normal during recovery.

This hospital discharge checklist helps Montreal families prepare for a safer return home and understand when private home care or private nursing may be useful after a hospital stay.

Before Leaving the Hospital

Ask the hospital team to explain the diagnosis, the reason for admission, and what recovery should look like at home. Do not rely on memory. Request written discharge instructions and keep them in one folder.

Before discharge, confirm:

• What symptoms are expected during recovery
• What warning signs require a call, clinic visit, 811, or 911
• Which activities are restricted, such as stairs, lifting, driving, or showering
• Whether the patient can be left alone
• Who to contact if symptoms change
• Whether a CLSC referral or home care referral has been made

If several family members are involved, choose one main contact person. This helps avoid missed instructions and conflicting messages.

Medication Checklist

Medication changes are common after a hospital stay. Some prescriptions may be new, while others may be stopped or changed.

Before leaving, ask for a clear medication list that explains:

• Medication name and purpose
• Dose and timing
• Whether it should be taken with food
• How long it should be taken
• Side effects to watch for
• Which previous medications should be stopped

Bring the discharge prescription to the pharmacy as soon as possible. If the patient takes several medications, ask the pharmacist about blister packs, delivery, or medication organization tools.

Follow-Up Care After Discharge

A safe discharge plan should include clear follow-up. Confirm whether the patient needs to see a family doctor, surgeon, specialist, CLSC nurse, physiotherapist, or other provider.

Ask:

• Are appointments already booked?
• Who is responsible for booking them?
• Are blood tests, imaging, or wound checks required?
• What should we do if no one calls?
• Is transportation needed?

In Quebec, non-urgent health questions can be directed to Info-Sante 811. People without a family doctor may also be directed through the Primary Care Access Point, known as GAP, depending on their situation.

Prepare the Home

Many hospital readmissions happen because the home environment is not ready. Prepare before the patient arrives.

Check that:

• Walkways are clear and loose rugs are removed
• Stairs, hallways, and bathrooms are well lit
• A phone or alert device is within reach
• Meals, fluids, and clean clothing are ready
• Medications are organized
• A walker, cane, raised toilet seat, shower chair, or other equipment is available if needed
• Someone can stay with the patient during the first day or night if they are weak, confused, in pain, or at risk of falling

When Private Home Care Can Help

Public services such as the CLSC are important, but availability, timing, and frequency can vary. Many Montreal families add private home care after discharge to reduce stress and fill practical care gaps.

Private home care services include:

• Personal care, bathing, dressing, and hygiene
• Meal preparation and hydration reminders
• Mobility support and fall prevention
• Companionship and supervision
• Transportation to follow-up appointments
• Respite for family caregivers
• Overnight or 24/7 support when needed

This type of support is especially useful when a patient lives alone, has limited mobility, has memory concerns, or needs help during the first 24 to 72 hours after discharge.

Private Nursing for Post-Hospital Recovery

Some recovery needs are clinical. In those cases, private nursing may be the better fit. A private nurse home visit can support patients who need skilled nursing care at home without unnecessary clinic travel for planned, non-emergency needs.

A+ Solutions provides private nursing in Montreal through OIIQ/OIIAQ-licensed nurses serving Montreal, Laval, and the West Island. Services may include:

• Post-hospital recovery nursing and post-operative monitoring
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Medication support and clinical monitoring
• Injections and prescribed nursing tasks
• Catheter or ostomy care
• Palliative nursing support
• Home health assessments
• Care coordination with family, physicians, surgeons, or other providers when appropriate

Private nursing is not a replacement for emergency care. If symptoms are urgent or life-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency department. For planned post-hospital recovery nursing, a private nurse home visit can help families feel more organized, supported, and confident at home.

Quick Discharge Checklist

Before leaving the hospital, confirm:

• You have written discharge instructions
• You understand the diagnosis and recovery plan
• You know the warning signs
• You have the updated medication list
• Prescriptions are ready or sent to the pharmacy
• Follow-up appointments are booked or clearly assigned
• CLSC or home care referrals are confirmed, if needed
• The home is prepared for safe movement
• Required equipment is available
• A family member or caregiver is available for the first day
• You know when to call 811, the clinic, private nursing support, or 911

Hospital Discharge in Montreal: Frequently Asked Questions

What should families ask before hospital discharge?

Ask about the diagnosis, medication changes, warning signs, follow-up appointments, activity restrictions, home equipment, and whether CLSC or home care referrals have been sent.

When should we consider private home care after discharge?

Consider private home care when the patient needs help with bathing, meals, mobility, supervision, transportation, or overnight support, especially during the first few days home.

What is post-hospital recovery nursing?

Post-hospital recovery nursing is skilled nursing support at home after a hospital stay. It may include wound care, medication support, monitoring, injections, assessments, and communication with the care team when appropriate.

Can I book a private nurse home visit in Montreal?

Yes. A+ Solutions offers private nurse home visits in Montreal, Laval, and the West Island for planned, non-emergency nursing needs. A referral or doctor’s instructions may be required for some services.

Is private nursing the same as CLSC care?

No. CLSC care is part of the public system and depends on eligibility and availability. Private nursing is arranged through a private provider and can offer more flexible scheduling for planned home nursing needs.