Printable practical checklists

Use these as conversation prompts, not as a substitute for assessment or professional advice. Cross out anything that does not apply and add the person’s own priorities.

Choose “Save as PDF” in your browser’s print window if you need a digital copy. The complete text remains available on this page for screen readers and magnification.

Emergency information sheet

Full name, date of birth and preferred form of address
NHS or national health identifier, if the person wants it included
Medicines, doses, allergies and pharmacy
Important diagnoses and communication needs
GP, care provider and day-and-night clinical contacts
Two emergency contacts and consent to involve them
Where current care plans and legal documents are kept
Date checked and next review date

Notes:

________________________________________________________________

Coming home from hospital

Discharge summary and updated medicines list received
New, stopped and changed medicines explained
Transport, keys, heating, food and first night arranged
Equipment installed and usable before it is needed
First care or nursing visit time confirmed
Warning signs and day-and-night contact written down
Unpaid carers asked what they can safely provide
Reablement, follow-up and review dates recorded

Notes:

________________________________________________________________

Home-safety walk-through

Entrances, steps and night routes are well lit
Walking routes are clear without removing useful supports
Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms are suitable and tested
Bathroom and transfers assessed before fitting equipment
Everyday items can be reached without climbing
Heating, taps, locks and phone can be used comfortably
A phone or alarm can be reached after a fall
Changes have been agreed with the person living there

Notes:

________________________________________________________________

Compare home-care agencies

Correct national regulator registration checked
Written care plan matches the person’s routines and choices
Visit length, timing, lateness and missed-call policy clear
Continuity, staff checks, training and supervision explained
Medicines and safeguarding procedures provided
Named contact and out-of-hours escalation route available
All charges, increases, cancellation and notice written down
Review date and complaint route agreed

Notes:

________________________________________________________________

Medication-review questions

What is each medicine for and is it still needed?
How will we know it is helping?
Could it contribute to dizziness, falls, confusion or constipation?
Are blood tests or other monitoring due?
What should happen during vomiting, diarrhoea or other illness?
Can the routine or packaging be made easier?
Which non-prescription products could interact?
What changes were agreed and when will they be reviewed?

Notes:

________________________________________________________________

Benefits and important documents

Full benefits check completed using current national rules
Care-needs and carer’s assessments requested where relevant
Will, power of attorney and advance-care documents located
Insurance, pension and property records listed
Trusted contacts know where originals are stored
No passwords or bank PINs placed in public or probate documents
Expiry and renewal dates recorded
Six-month review date added

Notes:

________________________________________________________________