References and further reading
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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Ask which old medication lists or bottles should be removed from the home so no one follows outdated instructions.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
- 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
| 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
| Contact | Name / organization | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary doctor | |||
| Specialist | |||
| Pharmacy | |||
| Home health agency | |||
| Hospital discharge contact | |||
| Family contacts | |||
| Preferred urgent care / ER |
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.