How can I care for my older sibling following a suicide attempt?

Hi 

Sure. She is 34, there has been a quite strong history of mental illness in my family on my father's side (mainly severe depression and my father has Asperger's). It is quite difficult to say how anyone ‘becomes’ depressed i think it is a gradual progression and so many different factors.
She has struggled with depression and anxiety on and off since her first child was born 14 years ago. Just reccently there is relationship problems, financial difficulties and bevarioural difficulties with her son. It has been informally said that she had a ‘breakdown’.
It is hard to say what she feels at any moment but her mood as been quite up and down since leaving hospital and she constantly says she is taking it ‘day by day’.
I guess my question was asking about ways to support someone who is overwhelmed by life at the moment but still help them to feel like they have some power and autonomy in their life.
Also even simple things like how to spot signs that a person may be suicidal again and what to do. You can't watch over a grown adult 24/7 that could be more of a hindrence than help.
I just think when someone goes into hospital to have an operation they come out with notes for their carers about looking after the person whilst they are not 100%, preventing secondary infections, exercises to help healing process etc 
Why can't there be a similar post hospital admission advice?
Thanks for your help

Thanks Damien
That was of great help! I was beginning to think annonymous wasn't going to respond  after asking for more info and i was feeling a bit disappointed in this network. I undertstand what it is and isn't but i did identify i was looking for some pratical advice/support even if it were from a non-professional but someone who has been/is there.
It was disappointing to see her to leave my parents house 2 days after being discharged but again her choice and Easter factored in it, the youngest wanted to be at her home for Easter bunny. There just isn't the support there.
There are little unhealthy behaviours she hasn't changed although almost completely giving up alcohol (which was a big factor in the attempt) has been a good step. Although she tells me yesterday ‘this isn’t forever you know'. 
Generic is great! No one has mentioned a list of support and intervention numbers by the phone like you suggested and i know that no one did a plan with her 
She is finding it really difficult to get to see a public psychologist and isn't willing/able to pay privately. the 6 sessions through medicare is really insuficient and some distance to travel but we're making do with that for now.
    The hospital visited her once ‘in the community’ and called once and that was it. There has been no further follow up to see how she is going with medication (or if she even got a script) and seeking out counselling.
Her teenage son is still acting out, violent, distant giving her significant trouble and this worries us. The whole family is trying to help there.

I might print out your advice, write up a few points we can work on and I'll sit down with her she does listen to my advice having been there myself to a lesser extent (never hospitalised but major depressive disorder over a number of years) and she knows I love her A LOT!

Thanks for your help I'll keep you updated

Hi Millie

Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm not sure if I'm heroic but definitely my actions and concern come from a place of great love for my only sister. I do believe sisters have a special unspoken bond between them thats why it is so imperative for me for my own reassurance that I do all I can within my own capacity to help her.

In an ironic sense of luck I was seeing a clinical psychologist regularly before my sister's suicide attempt and still am. I too have struggled with similar demons and as I said there's a strong history of mental illness on my father's side. My mother's parents died young so I'm not sure about that side. But one half of your genetic makeup is more than enough I imagine!!

I'm very much into creative writing and drawing. Funnily enough I've only really found the darkest times of my life to be my muse; the words come quickly and easily when I'm struggling with a lot of difficult emotions and life situations.

Although my sister's attempt was almost 6 months ago now I'm still worried about her. She is taking regular medication as far as I know, hasn't received any form of therapy and has a rather unhealthy view of alcohol and its uses. That's what concerns me the most. I wouldn't say she has alcoholism but it is definitely a crux for her at extremely difficult times and played a major part in leading up to her attempt. For me it feels like a warning sign whenever I see it but I know I need to exercise some self control and not hover over her or act as though I'm on the lookout. That can be stressful I'm sure.

Occassionally maybe for my own peace of mind I gently advise her to take it easy and look after herself when she goes home and have once expressed to her my great concern that I don't want to see her back at that hospital again.

EVerybody still hurts but I think we're healing. I still worry for her and occasionally for me but I keep seeing my therapist and doing some of those things you have suggested. In therapy I'm working on ACT and I've really got into mindfulness.
I've read a few of Russ Harris' books and I'm also learning how to read for fun.
My neices and nephews (I have 3 of each) definitely bring a lot of pleasantness and joy in my life when I see them.

Thank you for your kind words Millie. Especially pertinent on a day like today…R U OK DAY? :)