You've been in the hospital, and now it's almost time to go home. Before you are discharged, you will need to do some planning to ease the move from hospital to home. The hospital staff will help you prepare, But use the checklist below to make sure you have all the bases covered.
If you work with a case manager or nurse, be sure to contact them so they can help coordinate your plans.
Preparing to go home from the hospital
Medications
Yes
No
Do you know what each of your prescription medications does? Do you know how long you should take each medication?
Do you know how and when to take your medications? (For example, chew or just swallow? With meals or with water only?)
Do you know what side effects to watch for? Do you know what to do if you have side effects?
Were you taking any medications, vitamins, or supplements before you entered the hospital? If so, is it okay to take them again after you go home? Ask your doctor about the proper dosage for each one.
Does your pharmacy provide home delivery? If not, do you know how you will get your prescriptions? Do you know if your pharmacy can fill the prescriptions?
Do you know how you will pay for your medications? Tell your doctor if you can't afford your medication.
List your medications (brand and generic names) here
Compare this list to medications you took before you entered the hospital. Ask your doctor about any dropped medications that you think you might still need to take.
Dose:
When to take:
Follow-up care
Yes
No
Do you know what doctor visits or tests you will need in the coming weeks? Have the appointments been made?
Do you know how you will get to your appointments? Do your know the correct clinic address? Your doctor may have several offices. Do you need directions to the clinic?
Does your primary care doctor know about your hospital stay?
Do you know which doctor to call if you have problems or questions? Do you know which symptoms to watch for? Do you know what to do if you have problem symptoms?
List doctors you will need to see:
Date/time:
Phone:
Home help
Yes
No
Will you need help with:
Bathing Getting dressed Using the bathroom Cooking and cleaning Shopping Getting to appointments
Will you be able to drive?
Is there someone at home who can help you? If not, can you ask friends or family for help? If not, can you hire help?
Are you eligible for home health services? If so, have you chosen a home health agency? Do you know what services can they provide? Do you know when they will contact you?
Will you need any special equipment or supplies at home, such as a walker, oxygen tank or syringes? Will it be ready for you at discharge? Do you know how to use it? Do you know whom to call if you need more supplies or have questions about the equipment?
Names and phone numbers of contacts:
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