When someone you love needs care at home, a nurse should lead the way.

We know that when a hospital discharge is approaching or care at home is becoming difficult, waiting can feel stressful. How soon care can begin depends on the support needed, where the person lives, the schedule and who needs to be part of the care team. Tell us what is happening and when help is needed, and the team can confirm current availability.

A registered nurse helps make sense of your loved one’s health and day-to-day needs, so the right questions are asked and each person’s role in care is clear. It does not mean a nurse provides every visit. Depending on the support needed, caregivers, nurses and rehabilitation professionals may each have a different role. Your family should understand who is doing what and why.

Needs can change, and it is important to talk about those changes early. A new symptom, a difficult routine, a safety concern or a change in what the family can manage may mean the care approach needs another look. The provider should explain what can change, who needs to be involved and what the next step may be. For a sudden or severe health change, contact the appropriate clinician or emergency service.

It depends on what your loved one needs during the night. Awake overnight care is for situations where someone needs to remain awake and available, while some overnight arrangements include agreed rest periods. Twenty-four-hour home care is different and generally involves rotating care providers and planned handoffs so support is available around the clock. The provider should explain the exact coverage before your family decides.