Before leaving the care setting
- Ask for written discharge instructions and a current health summary.
- Write down who to call with questions and which warning signs require urgent help.
- Review the complete medication list with the clinical team, including changes.
- Confirm follow-up appointments, transportation, and prescription pickup.
- Ask whether equipment such as a walker, wheelchair, commode, or other supplies will be needed and who will arrange them.
- Have the medical team teach and observe any skilled task the family must perform.
Prepare the home and first 72 hours
- Clear the main walking route and prepare a safe sleeping area.
- Arrange meals, hydration, groceries, and any diet instructions from the clinical team.
- Make sure the person can reach the bathroom safely.
- Schedule family, home-care, home-health, therapy, or hospice support as ordered or needed.
- Keep discharge papers and important phone numbers together.
Understand the roles
SeniorCare Midwest provides non-medical assistance such as personal care, meals, mobility support within the plan, errands, reminders, supervision, and companionship. Nursing, therapy, wound care, injections, clinical assessment, and medication changes require the appropriate licensed healthcare professional.
Use the medical team’s instructions first. If symptoms worsen or a listed warning sign occurs, call the instructed clinician or emergency service rather than waiting for a routine caregiver visit.
Authoritative discharge resource
Medicare provides a detailed Discharge Planning Checklist for patients and caregivers.
Important: This guide provides general educational information, not medical advice. Follow instructions from the person’s physician, nurse, therapist, pharmacist, discharge team, or emergency professionals. Call 911 for an emergency.