Start with the three things that are still unconfirmed
Before leaving, identify the person responsible, the next action, and the callback number for each open item. “Referral sent” and “visit confirmed” are different states.
- Ask the team to explain the written instructions and demonstrate any tasks they expect a helper to do.
- Confirm who is handling arrival, the first evening, and the first follow-up calls.
- Put unanswered questions on the First Night Home Quick Sheet, then review them with the appropriate team.
Coordinating from far away? Use the remote-family handoff guide. Exploring paid help? Estimate a quoted schedule.
Before discharge
A. Before discharge questions
- What diagnosis or condition is being treated?
- What changed since admission?
- What symptoms are expected?
- What symptoms are urgent?
- Who do we call during business hours?
- Who do we call after hours?
- What follow-up appointments are needed?
- Are home health, nursing, or therapy services ordered?
- What equipment is needed at home?
- Are there activity, diet, wound-care, or bathing restrictions?
Use this with the discharge team: Write down names, numbers, and next steps before your parent leaves whenever possible.
Notes from the discharge team
Medications
B. Medication-change tracker
| Medication name |
New / changed / stopped |
Dose and timing |
Purpose |
Pharmacy pickup needed? |
Questions for pharmacist or doctor |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ask which old medication lists or bottles should be removed from the home so no one follows outdated instructions.
Follow-up
C. Follow-up appointment tracker
| Doctor / clinic |
Reason for visit |
Date / time |
Who schedules it? |
Who drives? |
Notes / questions |
| Primary care | | | | | |
| Specialist | | | | | |
| Therapy / home health | | | | | |
| Lab / imaging / test | | | | | |
Home setup
D. Home setup and equipment checklist
Ask the care team which equipment your parent needs and who will check its fit and show helpers how to use it. For a room-by-room walkthrough, use the home safety checklist after hospital discharge.
- Walker / cane
- Shower chair
- Grab bars
- Raised toilet seat
- Bed setup
- Clear walking paths
- Night lights
- Meals / hydration
- Oxygen or medical equipment, if ordered
- Pharmacy pickup
- Transportation plan
Warning signs
E. Warning signs to clarify with the care team
Ask the care team which symptoms are expected, which require a call, and which require urgent care.
- Fever or signs of infection
- Worsening pain
- Confusion or sudden behavior change
- Trouble breathing
- New weakness or falls
- Medication side effects
- Wound or incision concerns
- Not eating, drinking, urinating, or moving as expected
Important: This checklist does not decide what is urgent. For severe or sudden symptoms, contact emergency services or a licensed clinician.
Care-team instructions for warning signs
Family tasks
F. Family task assignment sheet
Use the family caregiver schedule and task-sharing guide to agree who will do each task, who can step in, and which hours still need help.
| Task | Owner | Backup person | Due date | Notes |
|---|
| Medication pickup | | | | |
| Follow-up scheduling | | | | |
| Transportation | | | | |
| Meals | | | | |
| Home safety setup | | | | |
| Insurance / paperwork | | | | |
| Family updates | | | | |
| Daily check-ins | | | | |
14-day care log
G. First 14-day care log
Use the middle columns for short daily details. Use the wider final column for appointments, calls, questions, and anything the family needs to follow up on.
Week 1: Days 1-7
| Day/date | Meals, hydration & medications | Pain, symptoms & mobility/falls | Appointments, calls, notes & questions |
|---|
| Day 1 | | | |
| Day 2 | | | |
| Day 3 | | | |
| Day 4 | | | |
| Day 5 | | | |
| Day 6 | | | |
| Day 7 | | | |
14-day care log continued
Week 2: Days 8-14
| Day/date | Meals, hydration & medications | Pain, symptoms & mobility/falls | Appointments, calls, notes & questions |
|---|
| Day 8 | | | |
| Day 9 | | | |
| Day 10 | | | |
| Day 11 | | | |
| Day 12 | | | |
| Day 13 | | | |
| Day 14 | | | |
Contacts
H. Emergency/contact list
Keep these numbers with the current discharge instructions. Use the emergency binder checklist to organize care papers and document locations for the next helper.
Want the paid printable packet?
The free discharge plan starts here. The First 14 Days Home Kit, now $5 at launch, gives you a more complete printable packet for medications, appointments, home setup, family responsibilities, call scripts, and daily care notes.
References and further reading
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