Before your parent leaves the hospital

Medications

Ask for the updated list in writing.

• Which medications are new?
• Which are changed (dose or timing)?
• Which should they stop taking?
• Why, and for how long, for each new one?
• Is the first fill ready, and at which pharmacy?
• Who do we call with a medication question?

Follow-up

• Which follow-up visits, with whom, by when?
• Is anyone booking them, or is that on us?
• Are any test results still pending? Who will call us?
• Which doctor is in charge of their care now?

When to call

Every diagnosis is different. Ask their care team.

• What signs mean “call the doctor”?
• What signs mean “go to the ER”?
• Who do we call at night or on a weekend?

At home

• Is home health, therapy or equipment ordered? Which agency, and when does it start?
• What can’t they do yet? (driving, stairs, lifting, bathing)
• Any diet or activity changes?

Collect before you leave

• Discharge summary / instructions
• Updated medication list
• Follow-up appointments (or who will schedule them)
• Names and phone numbers of their care team
• Equipment, home health or therapy orders
• Any new prescriptions sent to the pharmacy

First 48 hours at home

• Fill new prescriptions; set aside anything stopped
• Check the med list against what’s in the cabinet
• Put every follow-up on a calendar
• Confirm home health or equipment is coming
• Tell the Care Circle who’s doing what
• Keep a copy of the discharge summary for the next ER visit

Who’s doing what

Write a name next to each.

• Picks up prescriptions
• Drives to follow-ups
• Calls the pharmacy and insurance
• Checks in during the first week

Ready for the next ER visit

• Current medication list, with doses
• Allergies and diagnoses
• Their doctors and how to reach them
• Most recent discharge summary
• Insurance card and who can make decisions