UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026
Cornerstone guide · ElderCareCosts Research
Hospital Discharge Checklist for Caregivers
Ask for a written medication list and follow-up appointments before you leave.
What to check
Clarify who is responsible for wound care, therapy, and equipment delivery.
If the home isn’t safe yet, ask about swing-bed, SNF, or home-health options. Don’t accept an unsafe discharge silently.
Sources
- Medicare.gov. Inpatient hospital care. Hospital coverage context for Medicare beneficiaries
- CMS. Discharge planning. Federal discharge-planning expectations pointer
Related
Not sure which of these apply to your family?
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