Preparing for a hospital stay and discharge
What to pack, questions for the care team, and a discharge planning checklist for a smoother transition home.
Pack a go-bag before you need it
Keep a small bag ready with: current medication list, insurance cards, advance directive or POLST if there is one, phone charger, comfortable clothes, toiletries, and a notebook for questions.
Ask questions during the stay
Hospital days move quickly. Write questions down as they come up so nothing gets missed at rounds or discharge.
- What condition was treated, and what changed?
- What new medicines were started, and what stopped?
- What follow-up appointments are needed, and who makes them?
- What warning signs mean we should call or return?
- Who do we call after hours if something isn't right?
Use the discharge checklist before leaving
According to Family Caregiver Alliance, in states that have adopted the CARE Act, hospitals are required to record the family caregiver's name, tell the caregiver when discharge is planned, and provide instruction for medical tasks the caregiver will do at home. A checklist like this one can help you go through each item before you leave.
- Written discharge instructions in your language
- Updated medication list with doses and times
- Follow-up appointments scheduled or contact info to schedule them
- Home health or equipment orders confirmed
- Caregiver training completed for any medical tasks (wound care, tubes, injections, etc.)
- After-hours contact number for the care team
Plan the first 48 hours at home
The move home is a point where details can slip, so a simple plan helps. Many families find it useful to have someone there the first day. Medicare's discharge checklist suggests getting prescriptions and other errands done before the person comes home.
Questions worth bringing to the discharge team
This is a good topic to raise directly rather than guess about on your own.
- What care tasks are expected at home, and which should family not do alone?
- What equipment or supplies will be delivered, and when?
- Who do we call if something changes before the follow-up visit?
- Is there a home health nurse coming, and what will they do?
- What should stay in the binder for the next provider visit?
Last reviewed October 14, 2026