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Discharge Day Checklist

What to ask and take home before your loved one leaves the hospital or rehab.

5 min readReviewed 9/4/2026

Discharge is the highest-risk moment for a bounce-back to the ER. Slow it down. Before you leave: get the discharge summary printed, the medication list with times and doses, follow-up appointments already scheduled, and phone numbers for the discharging doctor and case manager. Ask what warning signs mean call the doctor and what means 911. Get equipment (walker, oxygen, bed) confirmed for delivery before you arrive home.

Checklist

  • Printed discharge summary in hand
  • Full medication list with times and doses
  • Follow-up appointments booked
  • Names + numbers for doctor and case manager
  • Home equipment delivery time confirmed
  • Know which symptoms mean 911

Sources

AHRQ Re-Engineered Discharge · Next Step in Care

General information — not medical, legal, or clinical advice. In an emergency call 911.
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Clover Care Navigator provides general educational information and local-resource navigation—not medical, legal, financial or emergency advice. Grace is an AI assistant; her answers are not a substitute for a licensed professional. Always consult an appropriate qualified professional. In an emergency, call 911.