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For patients leaving the hospital, caregivers, and discharge planners

Discharge Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare for the transition from hospital to home health care. Print it out or track your progress online. Completing all items helps ensure a safe and smooth transition home.

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Category Progress

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Physician Orders
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Medications
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Medical Equipment
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Home Safety
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Caregiver Readiness
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Follow-Up
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Physician Orders & Care Plan

Medications

Medical Equipment & Supplies

Home Safety & Modifications

Caregiver Readiness

Follow-Up & Appointments

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Questions to Ask Before Leaving the Hospital

Print this list and bring it to your discharge meeting. Getting clear answers will help ensure a safer transition home.

1. What home health services do I need, and how often?

2. Which medications changed during my hospital stay?

3. What signs or symptoms should prompt me to call 911 or return to the ER?

4. Do I need any medical equipment at home (walker, hospital bed, oxygen)?

5. When is my follow-up appointment, and who should I call with questions?

6. Has a home health agency been arranged, and when will they first visit?

7. Are there any dietary restrictions or physical activity limits I should follow?

What to Arrange in the First 48 Hours at Home

Day 1: Immediate Priorities

  • Pick up all prescribed medications
  • Set up a safe sleeping and resting area
  • Remove tripping hazards (rugs, cords)
  • Confirm home health agency first visit time
  • Post emergency numbers near the phone

Day 2: Follow-Up Tasks

  • Review medication schedule with caregiver
  • Test medical equipment (oxygen, CPAP, etc.)
  • Confirm follow-up doctor appointment
  • Stock up on essentials (groceries, supplies)
  • Discuss care plan with home health nurse

Ready to Find Home Health Care?

Now that you are prepared for discharge, take the next step to arrange care.

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About This Tool

Checklist items are based on Medicare discharge planning requirements and evidence-based hospital-to-home transition protocols from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Items cover six domains: medical follow-up, medications, home safety, caregiver readiness, equipment, and emergency planning.

Data source: CMS.gov Home Health Compare, January 2026 release. Last reviewed: March 2026. This tool provides general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Begin at least 24 to 48 hours before your scheduled hospital discharge, or as soon as a discharge date is discussed. Some items, such as arranging home health services and confirming medication lists, require lead time. Starting early prevents last-minute gaps in your transition plan.
Ideally, the patient and their primary caregiver should complete it together. If the patient is unable to participate, the family member or friend who will be providing daily support should take the lead. Hospital discharge planners and social workers can also help you work through specific items.
Focus on the critical safety items first: medication list confirmed, follow-up appointments scheduled, home health agency arranged, and emergency contacts identified. The remaining items can often be completed within the first 48 hours at home. Flag any incomplete items with your home health nurse during the initial assessment visit.
The checklist items align with Medicare discharge planning requirements and evidence-based hospital-to-home transition protocols recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). It covers the six key domains of safe discharge: medical follow-up, medications, home safety, caregiver readiness, equipment needs, and emergency planning.
Yes. Use the Print button above the checklist to create a paper copy you can review with your discharge planner, nurse, or physician. Having a printed version at your bedside allows your care team to help you check items off as they are completed.

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