Hospital Discharge Checklist for a Brevard Family Caregiver
Do not leave with only paperwork—leave with names, orders, delivery times, and a safe first night.
Start here
Ask for the written discharge instructions, updated medication list, follow-up appointments, equipment delivery plan, and the name and start date of any home-health agency before the person leaves. If any essential item is missing, tell the discharge planner what cannot be done safely at home and ask who owns the fix.
What to have in front of you
- Medicare and insurance cards
- Current and pre-hospital medication lists
- Home address, stairs, bathroom setup, and available caregiver hours
- Names and numbers for primary care and specialists
- A written list of tasks the person cannot do safely
What to say when someone answers
“Before discharge, I need the written medication changes, warning signs, follow-up appointments, equipment delivery, home-health agency and start date, transportation plan, and the name of the person responsible for every item that is still pending.”
Small but useful: Write down the person’s name, the date, the exact next step, and when you should call again.
Do this in order
- 1
Medication: compare the old and new lists line by line. Ask what stopped, started, changed, and when the next dose is due.
- 2
Equipment: confirm the exact item, supplier, delivery address, delivery time, and safe backup if it is late.
- 3
Home health: get the ordered disciplines, accepted agency, direct number, and expected first visit.
- 4
Follow-up: schedule or document who will schedule every appointment and how the person will get there.
- 5
Skills: have the caregiver practice wound care, transfers, injections, or equipment use before leaving.
- 6
Safety: get written warning signs and the 24-hour number for urgent questions.
What happens next
The discharge team should involve the patient and caregiver and arrange post-discharge needs. The family may still need to call suppliers and agencies to confirm receipt and timing; “referral sent” is not the same as “service accepted.”
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
Escalate from bedside nurse to discharge planner, case-management supervisor, or patient relations. If the person believes a Medicare-covered hospital discharge is too soon, follow the fast-appeal instructions on the Important Message from Medicare by the deadline.
Official sources
Checked August 5, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.