Hospital Discharge
Checklist

Your Complete Guide to a Safe Transition Home

Ensure nothing falls through the cracks when your loved one leaves the hospital. This checklist covers everything from medications to follow-up care.

Patient Name:

Admission Date: _______________

Discharge Date: _______________

Discharging to:

Home Rehab Facility Skilled Nursing

ParentCareGuide.com

Before Leaving the Hospital

Complete these items BEFORE your loved one is discharged. Don't rush, ask for what you need.

Understanding the Diagnosis & Treatment

I understand why my parent was hospitalized

I understand the diagnosis and what it means

I know what treatments were done during the hospital stay

I have received a written discharge summary

Primary Diagnosis:

Procedures/Treatments Performed:

Medication Review (Critical!)

I have a complete list of ALL medications to take at home

A nurse or pharmacist has reviewed each medication with me

I understand which medications are NEW

I understand which medications have CHANGED (new dose)

I understand which medications to STOP taking

I know what each medication is for

I know when to take each medication

I know about potential side effects to watch for

Prescriptions have been sent to pharmacy OR I have paper prescriptions

⚠️ Medication Errors Are Common After Discharge

Up to 50% of patients experience a medication error after leaving the hospital. Compare the discharge medication list to what your parent was taking BEFORE hospitalization. Ask about ANY differences.

Before Leaving the Hospital (Continued)

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up appointments have been scheduled

I know who to call with questions after discharge

I have the hospital's after-hours number

Follow-Up Appointment	Doctor/Specialist	Date	Phone Number
Primary Care
Specialist: __________
Specialist: __________
Lab Work
Other: __________

Home Care & Equipment Needs

Home health care has been ordered (if needed)

Nursing visits

Physical therapy

Occupational therapy

Home health aide

Medical equipment has been ordered and will be delivered

Hospital bed

Wheelchair/walker

Oxygen equipment

Shower chair/grab bars

Other: _________________

Home Health Agency:

Phone:

Equipment Company:

Phone:

Physical Capabilities & Restrictions

I understand any activity restrictions

I know what physical assistance will be needed at home

I understand dietary restrictions (if any)

Activity Restrictions:

Questions to Ask Before Discharge

Don't leave without answers to these important questions.

About Recovery

What is the expected recovery timeline?

What should recovery look like? How will we know if things are improving?

What symptoms are normal during recovery?

Warning Signs

What warning signs should prompt a call to the doctor?

What warning signs require a 911 call or ER visit?

Daily Care

Are there wound care or special care instructions?

When can bathing/showering resume? Any restrictions?

Any dietary or fluid restrictions?

Discharge Day Checklist

Before leaving the hospital, make sure you have everything.

Documents to Collect

Discharge summary/instructions (written)

Complete medication list with instructions

Prescriptions (paper or sent to pharmacy)

Follow-up appointment information

Home care instructions (wound care, etc.)

Contact numbers for questions

Insurance/billing information

Test results or imaging CDs (if needed for follow-up)

Personal Belongings

All clothing and shoes

Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures

Wallet, ID, insurance cards

Cell phone, charger

Jewelry, valuables

Medications brought from home

Medical equipment (CPAP, etc.)

Before Walking Out the Door

Someone is available to drive patient home

Prescriptions are filled or will be picked up on the way home

Home is ready (grab bars installed, equipment delivered, etc.)

Someone will be with patient for the first 24-48 hours

Patient understands all instructions (or I do as caregiver)

💡 Don't Feel Rushed

You have the right to delay discharge if you don't feel ready or if the home isn't safe. Ask to speak with a patient advocate or social worker if you feel the discharge is happening too fast.

First Week at Home

The first week after discharge is critical. Stay vigilant and follow up on everything.

Medication Management

All prescriptions have been filled

Medications are organized (pill box or system)

Old/discontinued medications have been removed or set aside

Medication schedule is posted or set up

No doses have been missed

Monitoring & Follow-Up

Tracking any symptoms or concerns

Taking vitals if instructed (blood pressure, temperature, etc.)

Home health has visited (if ordered)

Follow-up appointments confirmed on calendar

Primary care doctor notified of hospitalization

Daily Observation Log

Day	Energy Level	Appetite	Pain Level	Concerns/Notes
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

🚨 Call the Doctor or Go to ER If:

Fever over 101°F
Increasing pain or new severe pain
Wound becomes red, swollen, or draining
Confusion or sudden change in mental status
Difficulty breathing
Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Unable to keep medications down
Anything that seems "not right"

Hospital DischargeChecklist