Leaving the hospital after transplant is a major milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming. You’re transitioning to outpatient care, managing new routines, and adjusting to life outside the hospital walls.

This guide offers practical tips, questions to ask, and best practices to help you feel prepared.

Readmission

Many patients are readmitted after transplant. It is important for you to know that this is very common, and it isn’t a failure—it’s part of the process. Reasons include infection, dehydration, GVHD, or medication adjustments. Be prepared:

• Keep a “go bag” packed with essentials

• Know your hospital’s re-entry process (passes, contact numbers)

• Stay alert to symptoms that require a call or visit

Follow-Up Care & Restrictions

• Attend all scheduled clinic visits

• Limit exposure to illness—especially from school-aged children

• Ask about activity restrictions, visitor guidelines, and dietary changes

• Use home health services if available for dressing changes, IV meds, or monitoring

Recognizing Complications

• Know the signs of common post-transplant complications, as your doctor how to recognize:

• Infection

• GVHD

• Organ malfunction

Best Practices at Home

• Keep good hygiene practices

• Store training materials (med schedules, emergency contacts) in an easy-to-find spot

• Have a thermometer on hand

• Keep medications organized and follow timing instructions (e.g., empty stomach, food interactions)

Support for Families & Children

• Educate siblings’ schools about your child’s immune status and safety needs

• Help children explain what’s happening at home in simple, age-appropriate language

• Use child life specialists to support emotional understanding and coping

• Encourage caregivers to ask for help and take breaks—this is a team effort

Diet & Medication Tips

• Ask which medications require specific timing or food restrictions

• Follow food safety guidelines

• Track new medication schedules and side effects carefully