Discharge planning should start early — even while your loved one is still in the ICU. The more you prepare now, the smoother the transition home will be.
Start Early
Don’t wait until discharge day to start planning. As soon as your loved one is stable, talk to the case manager or social worker about what they’ll need when they leave the hospital.
Ask to meet with the case manager or social worker as soon as your loved one is stable. Early planning reduces last-minute stress.
Identify What You’ll Need at Home
Ask the care team:
- Will they need medical equipment at home (oxygen, hospital bed, wheelchair)?
- Will they need home health nurses or aides?
- Will they need physical, occupational, or speech therapy?
- What medications will they be on, and how do I manage them?
- What follow-up appointments need to be scheduled?
Learn Before You Leave
Before discharge, ask the nurses to teach you any care skills you’ll need at home:
- Wound care or dressing changes
- How to give medications (including injections if needed)
- How to use any medical equipment
- Warning signs that need emergency attention
- Who to call for different types of problems
Practice while you’re still in the hospital with nurses available to guide you. Don’t be afraid to say “Can you show me one more time?”
Discharge Day Checklist
- ☐ Prescriptions filled or pickup arranged
- ☐ Follow-up appointments scheduled
- ☐ Home equipment delivered and set up
- ☐ Home health services arranged (if needed)
- ☐ Transportation home arranged
- ☐ Written discharge instructions in hand
- ☐ Emergency contact numbers — who to call for what
- ☐ Pharmacy phone number saved
- ☐ Primary care provider notified
If you feel rushed on discharge day, say so. Ask: “Can we go through the discharge instructions one more time before we leave?”
I couldn’t access my brother’s accounts or make certain decisions until he was conscious enough to sign paperwork. This caused unnecessary stress and complications. Arrange this documentation as soon as your loved one is able.
