Transitioning Home

Many families wonder what life will be like after their children leave the hospital. Most children can and do return to their typical day-to-day lives, but there may be a few bumps along the way. Below are some things you can do as a parent to help your family transition from a critical illness. Make sure you consult with your child’s healthcare provider before following any of these guidelines. Some children may need adjustments to their normal routines for a while after hospitalization, and that is ok. Your healthcare provider should be able to help you decide which activities are ok and what you need to adjust or hold off on for a while.

General Tips for Transitioning the Family after a Critical Illness:

• As much as you can, try to keep up normal routines. Swim lessons, chores, dog walking, Sunday dinners, church, whatever was typical before the illness.
• Set normal behavior expectations for all children, including the child that was sick. Keep the same expectations for sharing, homework, chores, screen time, and general behavior in public or around family as you had before the illness.
• Encourage fun activities and visits from friends for all family members. Support systems, friends, and fun will help everyone cope with the illness and transition back to a more normal routine.
• Encourage your children to talk about their feelings if they want to. This includes the sick child and their siblings.
• Help your sick child begin to do things independently again.
• Take care of yourself!
• Make all scheduled follow up appointments for your child and ask your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.​

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