Hospital Discharge Checklist

A hospital discharge can feel sudden and overwhelming. Knowing what to arrange before your loved one comes home — and in the days that follow — can prevent readmission and support a smooth recovery.

Before Leaving the Hospital

Obtain all discharge paperwork and ensure you understand every instruction. Get the complete medication list, including dosages and timing. Know which symptoms require a call to the doctor or a return to the emergency room. Confirm all follow-up appointments before you leave.

Medication Safety

Medication errors are a leading cause of post-hospital complications. Create a clear, written medication schedule. Use a pill organizer. Know the purpose, dose, and potential side effects of each medication. Dispose of old prescriptions that are no longer needed.

Home Preparation

Before your loved one arrives home: ensure the path from car to bed is clear and safe, set up a comfortable recovery space on the main floor if stairs are a concern, stock the kitchen with easy-to-prepare nutritious foods, and confirm that any needed equipment (walker, raised toilet seat, shower chair) is in place.

In-Home Support

Consider professional in-home care, especially in the first weeks. A caregiver can assist with bathing, dressing, meals, medication reminders, and transportation to follow-up appointments. They can also watch for warning signs of complications.

Follow-Up Care Checklist

When to Call for Help

Return to the emergency room or call 911 immediately for: difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of stroke (sudden weakness, confusion, slurred speech), severe pain, or any symptom described as an emergency warning in the discharge paperwork.