During your stay, your doctor and the staff will work with you to plan for your discharge. You and your caregiver(s) – family member or friend who may be helping you – are important members of the planning team. Below is a Hospital Discharge Checklist of important things you and your caregiver(s) should know to prepare for discharge.
What’s Ahead Post Hospital Discharge?
- Ask where you will get care after discharge. Do you have options (like home health care)? Be sure you tell the staff what you prefer.
- If a caregiver will be helping you after discharge, write down their name and phone number.
Your Health
- Ask the staff about your health condition and what you can do to help yourself get better.
- Ask about problems to watch for and what to do about them.
- Write down a name and phone number to call if you have problems.
- Write down ALL your prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements:
- Review the list with the staff.
- Tell the staff what drugs, vitamins, or supplements you took before you were admitted. Ask if you should still take these after you leave.
- Write down a name and phone number to call if you have questions.
Recovery and Support
- Ask if you will need medical equipment (like a walker).
- Who will arrange for this?
- Write down where to call if you have questions about equipment.
- Ask if you’re ready to do the activities listed below. Circle the ones you need help with and tell the staff:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Using the bathroom
- Climbing stairs
- Cooking
- Food shopping
- House cleaning
- Paying bills
- Getting to doctors’ appointments
- Picking up prescription drugs
- Make sure you have support (include a caregiver) in place that can help you. Make a list.
- Ask the staff to show you and your caregiver any other tasks that require special skills (like changing a bandage or giving a shot). Then, show them you can do these tasks. Write down a name and phone number to call if you need help.
- Ask to speak to a social worker if you’re concerned about how you and your family are coping with your illness. Write down information about support groups.
- and other resources.
- Talk to a social worker or your health plan if you have questions about what your insurance will cover and how much you will have to pay. Ask about possible ways to get help with your costs.
- Ask for written discharge instructions (that you can read and understand) and a summary of your current health status. Bring this information and your completed “My Drug List” to your follow-up appointments.
- Write down any appointments and tests you will need in the next several weeks.
For the Caregiver
- Do you have any questions about the items on this checklist or on the discharge instructions? Write them down and discuss them with the staff.
- Can you give the patient the help he or she needs?
- What tasks do you need help with?
- Do you need any education or training?
- Talk to the staff about getting the help you need before discharge.
- Write down a name and phone number to call if you have questions.
- What support do you have or wish you had?
- Get prescriptions and any special diet instructions early, so you won’t have to make extra trips after discharge.