Free Discharge Checklist

Is Your Parent Ready to Come Home from the Hospital?

Take our 60-second discharge readiness checklist. Identify gaps before discharge day — most families miss 3 or more critical items.

Priority Cares Home Services 60 seconds 100% free Instant results Priority Cares — NYC
Item 1 of 10

Has the hospital provided a written discharge plan?

A written plan should include follow-up appointments, medication list, and warning signs to watch for.

Item 2 of 10

Does your parent have a follow-up doctor appointment scheduled within 7 days?

Readmission risk spikes when follow-ups happen after 7 days — or not at all.

Item 3 of 10

Is their home safe and accessible — no fall hazards, grab bars if needed?

Falls are the #1 cause of hospital readmission in the first 30 days after discharge.

Item 4 of 10

Do they have transportation to follow-up appointments?

Missed appointments after discharge are a leading driver of complications and readmission.

Item 5 of 10

Are their medications organized and will they take them correctly?

Medication errors are responsible for nearly 20% of all hospital readmissions.

Item 6 of 10

Does someone know the warning signs that require emergency care?

The hospital should have provided a list of specific symptoms to watch for — fever, swelling, breathlessness, etc.

Item 7 of 10

Can they perform daily tasks — bathing, dressing, meals — safely at home?

Activity of daily living (ADL) ability is the primary indicator of whether home care is needed.

Item 8 of 10

Is there someone available to help them at home after discharge?

Patients who go home alone after hospitalization have significantly higher readmission rates.

Item 9 of 10

Have physical therapy or home health needs been assessed?

PT, OT, or skilled nursing may be required post-discharge — this should be documented before leaving the hospital.

Item 10 of 10

Do they have a care coordinator or case manager following their case?

A care coordinator bridges the gap between hospital, doctor, and home — significantly reducing complications.

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You're All Set

A Priority Cares care coordinator will reach out to help you fill the gaps before discharge day. If you need to speak with someone immediately:

Call (718) 400-6166

When you call, let us know you found us online — our intake coordinator is ready to help.

Learn more about Priority Cares at prioritygroups.org/homecare/

This tool is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your care team and hospital discharge planner. Priority Cares Home Services is a NYS DOH-approved NHTD & TBI waiver provider in New York City; its home care licence covers Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe and Ontario counties.