Preparing for a hospital stay and discharge

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 is the main diagnosis 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

In the states that have adopted the CARE Act, hospitals must record the family caregiver, involve them in discharge planning, and provide training for medical tasks you will do at home. 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 transition home is when things get missed. Arrange for someone to be there the first day, fill prescriptions before arrival, and set up the medication organizer immediately.

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?