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Hospital discharge checklist

Hospital discharge checklist

Questions to ask before your parent leaves the hospital. Check them off on your phone, or print the page and bring it along.

Before the planning meeting

Ask: Was my parent admitted as an inpatient, or kept "under observation"? How many inpatient days?
Ask for the date and time of discharge in writing.
Find out who the discharge planner or case manager is, and get their direct phone number.

Where your parent will go

Is it home, a rehab facility, assisted living, or a nursing home?
If rehab: ask for the list of facilities and check them on Medicare Care Compare.
If home: who will be there for the first few days and nights?

Medications

Get a written list of every medication, including what stopped, what is new, and what changed dose.
Ask what each new medication is for and its common side effects.
Make sure new prescriptions are sent to the pharmacy and can be picked up today.

Care and equipment at home

Is home health care (nurse, physical or occupational therapy) ordered? Which agency, and when is the first visit?
Is equipment ordered, such as a walker, shower chair, or hospital bed? Who delivers it and when?
Ask if your parent can safely use stairs, bathe, and be alone.

Follow-up

Book the follow-up visit with the primary doctor, ideally within 7 to 14 days.
Ask which warning signs mean call the doctor, and which mean call 911.
Get the written discharge summary and instructions before you leave.
Ask how to appeal if you think the discharge is too soon. The number is on the Medicare notice.

Notes and phone numbers

Your checkmarks stay on this device only. More help: a parent is being discharged to rehab.

In a crisis, call 911. For help finding local services any time, dial 2-1-1.

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Silver Mitten is an independent guide. It is not a government agency and is not connected to any state program. The information here is general. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice.

© 2026 Silver Mitten. Run by Kirk Vantine in Dexter, Michigan.